Both Synchronous & Asynchronous methods have advantages and disadvantages and should be chosen based on which one will best deliver the learning outcomes. Establishing a clear Pattern of Teaching, developing clear guidelines, the course materials being organized, being clear with learning outcomes and ease of accesibility are all important factors in creating an effective online course, or any course for that matter.
Communication is the key to getting your instructions/point across to the students. You will be able to determine the needs and wants of students by reviewing their submissions. As a teacher, you will be able to see their needs and wants without asking.
It is important to determine which types of instruction work best for you and your classroom. Evaluating synchronous vs. asynchronous will help you pick the best one. The way that the teacher organizes the course content can help enhance student success.
Communication and organization are essential to a successful online classroom.
It is imporant to figure out which method of teaching works best for the students and course. While my county is using a combination of the asyncronous and syncronous, I think it is important to identify which lessons should be live and pre-recorded.
I have learned that consistency in the organization and rules for a course can produce better student compliance and acheivement.
The advantages of synchronous learning is that students can feel an immidiate connection to each other and there is no room for procrastination. Asynchronous learning allows for greater flexability but also allows students to go in at the last minute and finish assignments and posts at the last minute.
I believe a blend of both asynchronous and synchronous learning delivery best addresses the needs of most online learners who need to benefit from flexibility to juggle school, work, family and life in today's hectic environment. The ability to record synchronous webinars or "chat sessions" allow those that can't make a set chat due to scheduling conflict, permits them to view and listen 7/24 when time permits.
Instant messaging is a really useful technology tool enabling students and instructors to 'see' who is online and communicate as necessary.
I personally believe online students have more ways to interact with their class, classmates and instructor compared to their on-ground counterparts who typically are not available or accessible outside of campus schedules. Further, I believe the Covid-19 virus has only expanded the use and familiarity of online education to the degree that it will eventually become the norm with less and less dependence with on-ground/in-class instruction.
learnig styles need to remain and continue to be organized and well communicated to all students. Expectations of students are highly needed. Dashboards and other learning platforms need to function properly and communication back to a student needs to be completed in a timely manner.
With virtual learning it is important to create a pattern of teaching that students can expect and rely on for consistency purposes. Organization is key and don't over use a variety of tools if it's not necessary. Create sections/boards that allow students to support one another.
This module shows us that it doesn't matter if synchronous or asychronous learning is taking place, you still have to develop guidelines for everyone to follow, organize course content and material that is easy for students to locate and follow, as well as select the appropriate technology tools that best meet the functions of teaching styles.
Virtual learning may use synchronous methods, where instructor and students are online at the same time, or asynchronous methods, where students work "any time, any place" to complete learning modules, assignments or discussions. Either of these may be suitable depending on the needs of the specific course. (Most courses today are a blend of synchronous and asynchronous.) Especially in asynchronous learning, communication is key. Objectives, requirements and assignments must be clear and forums must be created for questions and answers, submitting completed assignments and obtaining feedback, and assessing performance.
I learned a lot from this module and the difference between Synchronous versus Asynchronous Learning
Time will need to be spent, assessing each course and which style(s) to implement.
Both asynchronous and synchronous learning must be developed and outlined to be successful.
The method the teacher uses must compliment the learning objectives so that the students are successful in learning the content. Both methods have their advantages and disadventages, but the teacher must use feedback to help decide which is the best method to use with the best technology tool.
Synchronous and asynchronous learning are both valuable tools when teaching an online class. Determing which one will be used is imprtant before designing a lesson. Organizing appropriately can be impactful on the learning environment.
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.
Communication is key, the communication of what is expected of your students, communication of content, communication of student questions and answers, and student submissions with corrections and comments.
I have only used asynchronous but there is value behind synchronous learning as well.
