Synchronous vs Asynchronous Learning

Asynchronous learning allows you to learn on your schedule, within a certain timeframe. You can access and complete lectures, readings, homework, and other learning materials at any time during a one- or two-week period.

A big benefit of online asynchronous classes is, of course, the flexibility.  An asynchronous learning example is that you don’t always need to be online at the same time as your instructor or classmates, giving that freedom to students who are looking to take an entire program online are partially looking for that flexibility. The online asynchronous format might include short videos teaching key concepts that you can watch repeatedly, if necessary. Asynchronous learning means In some classes, students can also complete homework assignments and receive immediate feedback, as opposed to waiting for instructors to grade them.

But don’t get the idea that asynchronous classes are any less rigorous than their synchronous or on-campus counterparts.

Just like a student on campus, students should expect to be doing work one week at a time, they should also expect to have contact with their instructor and classmates every week in a substantial way.”

Example of Asynchronous Learning –  Professor expects students to complete video assignments and respond in a forum by Friday at 5 pm.

We discussed the outline of the differences between Synchronous vs Asynchronous Learning. In this section, we detail the difference.

Synchronous and asynchronous online learning each have their place, depending on what an instructor is trying to achieve, and the guidance they may have received from their institution, faculty, or department. For example, a live synchronous presentation allows students to ask questions while the presentation is in progress, and a recorded asynchronous presentation allows students time to deliberate and reflect before asking their questions, perhaps in an online discussion group. Live, synchronous chat office hours allow the instructor and a student to have an interaction that resembles a real conversation, using an asynchronous discussion board to collect and respond to questions works better for students whose schedules wouldn’t permit them to engage in a live chat. Here are two most important points to deliberate when picking up a synchronous or asynchronous learning course:

Immediacy and Bandwidth:

Some students’ access to technology may be uncertain, therefore low bandwidth – low immediacy tools (green tools in the diagram below) are your best bet. Use higher immediacy and higher bandwidth tools when you have a clear learning purpose for doing so but have a backup plan.

Both immediacy and bandwidth should be considered when choosing an online tool. Using limited or compromised bandwidth – for example, a data plan on a smartphone – students will be challenged to participate in a live video presentation. A recorded version might be preferable. If an online meeting with a student doesn’t require video, use just audio. If the student needs to see something the instructor is doing during the meeting and needs to be able to ask questions while it is taking place, then live video may be the best option.