So far, the schools decide whether a class is synchronous or asynchronous. Success in a class works in both as long as the student cares and is engaged as well as the instructor. I cringe when I find an instructor whose syllabus says, "I only answer emails between 8 and 5, M-F."
An import concept I took away from this lesson was: "However, it is the instructor's role to communicate any course rules and regulations and follow up with consequences from any deviations from the process." It is my experience that the "course rules" must be made clear at the beginning of the course and reminders re-iterated throughout the course. Strict enforcement is required.
We have a specific time and place for our institutions.
content needs to be organized whether in a synchronous or asynchronous format.
I think that both methods -Asynchronus and synchronus teaching - have benefits and downsides. It will depend of the kind ok course, student and content. The organization and the communication in both cases are strongly relevant.
The unit on "establishing a pattern of teaching" will be invaluable in enhancing student learning. (This was an entirely new piece of information for me -- I had only been familiar with this in how I prepared my syllabus.)
I have learned that both synchronous and asynchronous learning have their place in a virtual learning environment. The choice between the two depends on various factors, including the nature of the course, the preferences of the students, and the available resources.
