Asynchronous discussions are best for more complex and important course material/concepts. Synchronous discussions discourage participation from shy learners, slow readers and typers, etc. You're liklier to experience greater participation with asynchronous discussions. I'd probably utilize discussion boards with a required number of characters and several points of fact to be covered a couple to a few times weekly.
I now see how to adequately implement synchronous and asynchronous meetings in my e-learning courses. I do believe that the synchonous meetings will be done over video-chat (Zoom or Google Meets). I think it would be easier to conduct it through video chat rather then typing and reading discussions.
Providing feedback in a timely manner is perhaps the best way to keep students engaged. We've all had online instructors who failed to grade papers, respond to discussion items, etc. and then at the end of the course you find there were areas you could have improved.
I love the use of discussion boards. I'm currently teaching a Windows Server 2016 course, which is pretty dry. I sometimes throw in discussions not always related to servers to keep them engaged. I also keep sychronous office hours though a daily Zoom meeting which students are free to log in and out of as they want. Sometimes they log in to ask about course material, sometimes it's just to chat.
I have used asynchronous meetings almost exclusively since my students go online at various times. It never occured to me that this method worked well for those who might be somewhat shy about speaking up in a 'live' setting! It does prove to be a challenge to manage my response time, so I review their posts throughout the day. I use personal e-mails to encourage some folks if it looks like they are 'slow' to respond, but I know these folks are usually parents or working double shifts, and I try hard to make it easier for them to keep up.
Encourage students to participate and be enthusiastic, boost confidance
Utilizing all your communication skills is essential for effectivness. Engaging with the students, keeping them focused with participation on the different discusions, maintaining all avenues of communication open, email the student if there is a concern keeping them informed and updated on any and all changes to the courses is also important.
Timely feedabck is essential to encourage elearners and have them stay engaged
I learned the difference between synchronoud and asychnrounous discussisons and how to best employ these tools.
You want to encourage participation by thoughtful, constructive feedback.
I have learned that it is best to do video chats in small groups to help students participate online. Be mindful of your students' schedules when planing. Also, allow them to have time to chat with students socially.
I think learning when and how to use synchronous and asynchronous discussions will enhance setting expectations for student involvement and enhance students learning content.
In oline classes, asynchronous are preferred to allow for students with different schedules and in different time zones. However, it is important to control and direct the discussin threads to allow for varied student learning styles.
Lerning that the teacher is the main artery.
I'm learning communication skills that will support the learners.
Feedback is an essential part of learning, be as specific as possible.
The difference between asynchronous discussion; discussions thst happen at different moments and takes place over a periodof time, versus synchronous discussions that are real time and are known as chat sessions. I will continue to use different learning styles for all of my students as one student can have more than one learning style. Through an effective feedback technique my students will be able to participate with confidence and a motivation to learn.
One of the benefits of asynchronous discussions/meetings is that an introverted or shy person can participate fully and be heard while not having to deal real time with more competitive students.
keeping the students engaged will help the collaboration and interation in the class
feedback should be encouraging and iniviting to the student....there will be a time difference when students are involved unlike in a normal classroom
that to really hold a good discussion the asynchronous would insterest a larger class particapation, and also allow more student input.
I have taken numerous online courses in college. I see how the instruction was organized and the benefits for myself in the classroom.
