We've been doing a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning for a while and I'm glad that this module really reinforced how important consistancy is. It took us a while to really figure that out and get everyone on board with it.
The best new idea that came from this past midule was the idea of a FAQ page that students could help to answer, incentivizing them to do so. I like it!
I will be relying mostly on synchronous learning. There will be activities that the students will do as asynchronous learning, but the majority of how they will learn will be in Virtual Classroom.
Roger
That synchronous learning can be much harder to get set up because of access and all the other components involved. Asynchronous learning is much easier, once the student understands all the components.
It is important for instructors to establish a pattern of teaching. They need to be consistent.
It is important to have an open line of communication for online classes and understanding your students needs. Also being organized and meeting deadlines will help better the online experience.
Organization and communication are key in this topic!
Making sure that the Students and the Teacher are in "the same page"
Due dates for assignments is very important for both Synchronous and Asynchronous
Over all, I'd say that I am much more a fan of synchronous teaching environment. I do appreciate that this is often harder to facilitate because of scheduling/etc, but the positives, assuming all students are somehow available, outweigh the negatives.
There are advantages to both synchronous and asynchronous learning. The biggest disadvantage to asynchronous learning is that it requires more self-motivation on the part of the student. Synchronous learning engages students which is a way to motivate them too.
I have learned that organization and communication are key components in online learning. If we do not have either of these it will be hard for the student to be successful. Also, consistancy is very important as well. Students can get into a rhythm in a classroom environment if there is consistancy which will lead to them being more successful.
I can see how both the synchronous and the asynchronous approach have both advantages and disadvantages. My preference is majority of the content be presented in asynchronous format through over voice PP, discussion/response, online assessments, weekly virtual class interaction, and virtual office hours. The asynchronous learning provides our students with anytime and anywhere access, as well as, self-learning in a constructivist model, which puts more responsibility on the learner to engage and demonstrate the depth of their understanding. The less engaged learner will require more monitoring and all will require constant and supportive feedback and encouragement!
I learned that communicatoin and organization is the key, to student and instructor understand the course.
I feel this was important to learn about the two different environments of learning. In both its essential to communicate and be engaged with students. You must have some type of flow as an instructor so that content is organized.
I personally would like asynchronis and not have to coordinate all the students through time restrictions
I learned that with an effective framework of learning based on the online environment, it will help establish a consistent learning enviroment.
Communications is the Key to any teaching enviroment
Oraganization and consistency are very important. communication is vital.
I have learned greatly about a virtual classroom and asynchronus vs synchronous delivery systems.
Asynchrous learning has to be very organized and consistent .In order for the student to be able to learn .More of the berden is on them.
I have been using asynchronous methods of the teaching and learning for a few years. I can see the benefit of using synchronous teaching methods for an online course. I just worry about all the students having the right materials and broadband speeds for accessing the materials and following along on their systems.
Consistency is key. Training the students so they know where to find all materials, meetings, etc. and reinforcing the same practices regularly. Building routine and making sure students are set up to be comfortable and successful in an online learning environment.
