I am definitely in the same boat here.  I do not feel that these sessions are the "best" method of interaction, but they do ensure that we are offering a variety of methods, and some students do benefit from them.  I think that most online students do not expect such time-bound interaction from the outset, so most students end up not using this method.  I think that the "live lab" may actually be a greater benefit if it were to be recorded and offered as an audio session for students to listen to on their own time.  Perhaps more students… >>>

Colleges and universities have a long history of requiring various forms of "professional development," from the publish-or-perish mandates of the highest ranks to seminars and reviews of publications (or even courses offered here).  Beneath all of that, there is the natural learning that takes places as one actually teaches. I know that my teaching experiences have continues to teach me (and help me improve) consistently over the course of my career.  I will continue to learn to teach as long as I am a teacher (and I love that quality of this career).

- Mark W.