I learned some really good guidelines for Asynchronous Discussions that I had use but realized I need to make sure I place more emphasis on the guidelines and expectations. I also learned about 3 specific learning styles.
The comparisons of the merites of Synchronous and Asynchronous Discussions was a real eye-opener for me (EL102, Module 3).
I've used some asynchronous discussions in the past in my OG (On Ground) courses, but most of them don't have any of these in the course any more -- a major difference between the Online and the OnGround. Now that our OG are Remote Synchronous, I have to consider what to do about discussions. We meet for five hours at a time (everyone is in the same time zone) but I can see the value of having the ASynchronous Discussion. But I cannot, I believe, add it as a graded object in my Canvas course. I will have to mull over how to help my students participate more. LBeegle
Enhanced understanding of asynchronous discussions and how to better utilize them. Feedback, one on one discussions, and commenting on others posts will be used to foster student communication.
Keep the students active and engaged. Feed back should be positive and encouraging, not critical if we want the students to be motivated to participate.
This module taught me the differences between asynchronous and synchronous discussions. Asynchronous is more or so what I would use as an instructor because it doesn’t happen at the same moment. So many students can post to a forum and still read other students posts. But if I did see any students struggling I would do a separate synchronous discussion because it may be more effective for them and easier to focus.
An important point was not to use constructive criticism. Only encouraging feedback should be used.
I learned the difference between synchronus and asynchronous discussions. One thing that I will start implementing is more asynchronous and synchronous discussion boards so that the whole class can learn from questions asked.
The importance of student interaction through a discussion board and its promotion of student engagement.
Teacher feedback should be timely for students. It ensures that students remain engaged with the course and understand what they are doing is meaningful.
The lesson I have learned is that there is an increase of preparation time required for things to go smoothly in class.This has to be attributed to the lack of facial impression or body language shown in that format. The participation of students through questions being both asked and/or answered may be the only way known whether or not the material is being clearly understood.
The difference between synchronous and asynchronous discussion, as well as the types of students.
There are different learning styles and students may have more than one learning style.
By getting students to participate in both and asynchronous discussions to make sure they are understanding the material and providing good feedback to them on the material covered.
Being able to have synchronous and asynchronous discussions and meetings helps keeps students engaged to participation and learning. It also keeps the communication open so that students feel involved andit sometimes helps them from being discouraged to falling behind.
New information acquired include the difference between asynchronous and synchronous discussions and how feedback is supposed to be provided to students .
The difference between asynchronous and synchronous discussions, when to use them and not use them and some of the things that can inhibit them. How to give feedback.
stay engaged, post and answer continuously
In this learning module, I learned what Asynchronous and Synchronous Discussions were and the pros and cons of both of them. Learning styles were discussed as well which plays into the students way of learning and if they can learn and how fostering participation works. Before I read this section, I believed that Synchronous Discussions was the better way to learn, however, my eyes have been opened to why Asynchonous Discussions are way better and have many strategies for all learning types. I will most definately consider this in my online classroom first!
Reply to Lawrence Bufalino's post:I couldn't agree more. My school is fairly insistent that we have at least 1 hour of virtual face-to-face lecture time per online class meeting. This information regarding asynchronous methodology will help to convince them that it is not in the students' best interest to treat distance learning the same as in-person education.
I've learned that asynchronous discussions are better than synchronous discussions. Although, asynchronous discussions may vary in nature, they encourage reflection, critical thinking, and more student involvement. Also providing feedback on a timely basis, is essential to student learning and participation.
Taking into account student varying learning styles…I intend to apply all of the above.
