As an online instructor, do you feel that asynchronous, synchronous of a combination of these tool types, is most effective in the online classroom setting?

As an online instructor, do you feel that asynchronous, synchronous of a combination of these tool types, is most effective in the online classroom setting?

I do believe that the usability and also interface design and tools are crucial to successfully involving students. If the learning management system is cumbersome, difficult to use or navigate, students will often slow their pace and sometimes drop away. Certainly ample technical support and user/student training can help ease the learning curve but ongoing faculty support and tools are also crucial.