Pandemic ponderings, 30 years to today: synchronous signals, saviors, or survivors?

The mandate for K-12 and higher education instructors to teach online during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a wide range of experiences, preferences, challenges, complaints, and successes; especially in terms of synchronous forms of instruction. For much of 2020, many educators hesitantly and nervously transitioned to online environments while praising synchronous tools like Zoom as professional life saviors. At the same time, other instructors were admittedly in survival mode and struggling to cope with an array of online learning technology tools and features. Fortunately, many others grasped the assorted synchronous signals urging them to experiment with their instruction such as inviting expert guests and incorporating global and multicultural education. No matter the perspective, there remains a need for the rapid deployment of tutorials, best practice videos and scenarios, professional development programs, and other guidance for synchronous as well as asynchronous instruction.