By having both asynchronous and synchronous discussions proves to be beneficial. Asynchronous is better depending on class size. Feed bacj us imposrtant and make sure it is clear.
Engaging students is the key to their success and course comprehension. Asynchronous is the way to go with a group of students; synchronous is real time and reserved for one on one.
Most learners do not have only one method of learning. So as an instructor, I must be able to identify those methods and address them if needed.
To remeber that students have different learning styles, and to know how to deal with each student in a responsible way.
A valid point was made about not having critical lectures hosted as live lectures. The is crucial to the learners atmospher. When you have students apart of your lectures the recording can be lengthy and insufficient for most learning styles if others can't keep up with the content. Also, watch how you address your students in your feedbac. Your verbiage is important and crucial in not diminishing a students value.
It was valuable in learning the differences between asynchronous and synchronous meetigs. These provided an understanding of how we can engage students in the discussion forums. In the engagement of discussion plays a role in student participation and engaging the students in learning the topic of discussion and how they can apply what they are learning in the career path they are obtaining a degree in.
You have to foster feedback by providing feedback regularly. Beecause you can;t see the individual like in a regular classroom setting to make sure that students understand.
Asynchronous discussion is the preferred method of discussion when delivering important course information.
Learning about the different learning styles was helpful, especially the first three and how this can inhibit learning in an online environment. Also the importance of asynchronous learning and the challenges on synchronous learning
The differnece between using asynchronus and synchronous discussions is important. It is not recommended to have synchronous disucssions with more than 5 to 6 students at a time. It is also important to hold multiple synchronous sessions so that learners in different time zones have the opportunity to participate.
Asynchronous discussions requre the instructor to be an active particpant to keep the learning going. It is important that students have a rubric of how the discussion is being graded and the rules of netiquete pertaning to online discussions. One way to do this is to post objectives and rules of class discussions in a rubric for students to read and have handy as they are creating their online discussion posts.
Students have different learning styles. Much more so only. I now understand asynchronous and synchronous learning as it relates to online courses. I feel I can reach more students in different ways with this learning.
In this module I learned more about the value of asynchronous vs. synchronous interactions with a class of students. Aynchronous is strongly suggested over synchronous. It also became clear that asynchronous writen responses by students will be a primary way for students to engage with the course material and each other. This allows the instructor to assess understanding and respond to effectively. In classes that are too small or too large (above 40) it will be more difficult to elicit student engagement in either way, asynchronous or synchronous due to the variety of student learning styles and the need for student interaction. Breaking into small groups will assist with learning within a larger class environment.
Module 3 gave great information on asynchronous and synchronous discussions that I will use in my online teaching. I could see how a synchronous session going over course material would not be a good idea, as it would move fast, and wouldn't really allow time to absorb the information. I think it would be good for a questions and answer session, but limited to this sort of interaction. Asynchronous sessions give great opportunities for learning opportunities and to give constructive feedback about relevant discussions. There are some very good points about leading and maintaining the discussion threads, and I will utilize these ideas in the discussion threads in my class. Discussions are a great way to allow all students to equally express and convey their thoughts, feelings and understanding of a topic.
I've been trying to build synchronous foundations for our students but it's crazy learning all the tools and platforms.
I now have a much better understanding of asynchronous and synchronous discussions. The fact that acynchronous are set to help ot imporove group involvement and particpation of all. Knowing and identifing early those that may not or have difficult participating is also important for the instructor. I can now expland my use of discussion and have better results.
The instrustructor plays a crucial role in creating the culture of the online environment, engages every student equitably and will need to provide consistent feedack since students want to knowhow they are progressing.
Asynchonous teaching allows everyone to participate but you need to make sure you are engaging all participates.
Online Teaching Techniques --> Engaging Learners
Letting my students know in advance a "Chat" session will be required, giving them an opportunity before chat, for any preparations. Make it clear that their will be allotted time at the begining for socializing, but we must adhere to the Core Chat session time rules. But inform them they will also have asynchronous sessions.
There is a clear distinction between asynchronous and synchronous methods to online teaching and learning. Students must know the difference so they can be successful distance learners.
Asynchronous discussion posts are useful for students with various schedules or living in different time zones. However reluctant learners may need more direct contact to participate in the course
