Providing consistent layouts for the students and engaging feedback will help the students in a transition to online learning.

Feedback is critical.  Students stay more engaged in the course if you are providing good feedback.  I use the sandwich method; providing areas of improvement sandwiched between comments of what they did well.

With the switch to online learning due to COVID-19, I used both formats.  Synchronous allows for a more traditional classroom setting, but asynchronous allows for students in different time zones to complete work when they have time.  Asynchronous is more flexible.

I learned in there are many different types of technology tools and each should be reviewed thoroughly to determine which works best for proper learning and also your own personal teaching style.