Exploring students' learning experience in an international online research seminar in the Synchronous Cyber Classroom

► A novel design for an international online research seminar is presented. ► PhD students from Canada, Italy, New Zealand, and were participated. ► Effective interactions among learners, instructors, and course content are essential. ► Instructional design and facilitation are critical in synchronous cyber classroom. ► Promoting international collaborations among educational institutions around the world.