Asynchronous conversations are intended for one student at a time. Usually when they are not understanding something. Synchronous conversations occur with all students.
Asynchronous is better technique than synchronous as it allows slower readers to feel more confident. Using smaller groups in discussions will be more helpful. It will be extremely important to teach proper netiquette in discussion as we will not be able to see expressions. Feedback will be important when using discussions and giving private feedback for grading purposes will be important.
I liked the clear explanations between synchronous and asynchonous discussions. I love how asynchronous pulls all students into the discussions and allows students time to prepare what they actually want to contribute to the discussions. I will be for to plan for time in the beginning to socialize and get to form relationships with my students instead of just the nitty gritty.
I like the idea of keeping the students informed or by sending an e-mail to help them undestand and not single them out if you feel they did not understand.
Synchronous discussions is not recommended for large groups, there are four major disadvantages to using synchronous to teach critical course content. Synchronous discussions happens in real time and are known as chat session.
Where asynchronous discussions happen at different moments. The discussions take place over a period of time.
Understanding learning styles will help, some of these inhibit student participation,
Avoidant competitive & dependent.
All in all really good information
I realize now that when evaluating student learning it is best to use asynchronous communication. Students who are unsure about content will be less likely to contribute in a synchronous situation.
Always give positive feed back and encourage students to participate
Learning about the best uses of asynchronous discussions and synchronous discussions was very helpful.
I plan to add feedback to all graded reports and quizzes and make sure the criticism is used as a learning tool in a positive way.
Fostering Participation is the key to a successful online class. The teacher needs to know how to reach the student may it be in a asynchronous forum style or synchronous small group using reflection for feedback needs to be on going.
The information that I learned regarding asynchronous and synchronous discussions was quite useful and provided good advice when managing course discussions with my students.
The types of learners and how to approach each type of learner. How to hold discussions synchornous vs. asynchornous. Engaging with a student and providing encouragement and confidence and motivation to enhance their learning experience.
There are various learning styles of students , therefore it is with utmost importance to know your students so as a faculty , can bring out the best of the students and not have only the strong can dominate and the shy are left at the back burner. There should be guidelines when conducting either synchronous and asynchronous discussion so as not to veer away from the topic and to give each student a chance to voice out their opinions in a timely manner.
It is important to keep the conversation flowing in discussion-based learning forums. Sometimes it is on the instructor to ask questions that demand a response or as a means to direct the class through traffic.
I liked the suggestions for initiating and managing asynchronous discussions. Taking into consideration how quick a chat can go and how they impacts slow readers. I will evaluate closer how the students learn and adapt my teaching around that to make sure they are engaging and learning the content.
Make comments weekly and students learn to ask/comment in scheduled time
Research has shown that Generation X students prefer texting to phone calls. Asynchrounous communication allows students to gather their thoughts and organize appropriate wording prior to responding. Online discussions allow students to gather a sense of other students tone and depth prior to responding.
The information on asynchronous and synchronous discussions was very good. Also the ways to make both of these types of disscussions work in the classroom was of value.
Utilizing synchronous works best with one student and to clarify. I had no idea of that prior to this course
Asynchronous discussions are more effective in conveying important and essential information. Synchronous discussions can deter participation by learners who are slow readers and/or typers. I'm sure I'd use asynchronous discussion boards at least twice weekly with a required number of characters and points of fact. I'd also require they reply to at least two other students' posts constructively
