I gained great understanding of asynchronous and synchronous discussion,and how to implement in an online class.
I thought it was really useful to learn that no more than 30 minutes in the synchronous environment should be for critical course content. I am also going to be looking more closely at tools for interaction in the synchronous environment.
it is interesting to realize that the non-verbal can be replaced by emoticion and abbreviations that are commonly used in informal communications
Syncronious discussions are best for one on one discussions. It can be overwheling for a few or even all students to keep up.
It is not recommended to use synchronous discussions to instruct important course content or to get for student understanding of the concept. Also feedback should be timely when it comes on to on-line delivery. It is also importnat that the feedback be worded in a way to encourage participation, confidence and motivation. Feedback should also be constructive criticism.
It was interesting to learn that for introduction of big ideas, that a one-on-one conversation, or a recorded module, is the best way to do so. So often teachers try and conduct live class online, when really no student gets the attention that is needed in that format.
In this section I learned the difference between asyncronous and syncronous discussions. I also learned that timely feedback is extremely important in any online learning environment. It is the role of the instructor to continually respond to and/or initiate converstaions with students.
It looks like electronic conversation is going to be key since there isn,t much face to face interaction .
Asynchronous communication is the way to go when it comes to feedback from course work. Synchronous communication should occur while the instructor is on a live camera platform such as Zoom or WebEx.
The use of both types of discussions is a good way to engage students differently. I like the suggestion to use emoji's to emphasize tone.
The most important lesson I learned in this module was the advantage of asynchronous meetings over synchronous. Asynchronous provides a btter forum for all learners to be able to participate at their full capacity.
Encouraging discussion between students/instructor will make the class more successful. Students want to feel a part of the process and by allowing discussion, you are giving them some ownership in their learning.
Asynchronous communication each have their place in an online learning environment. Synchronous should not be used for more than 5-6 students at one time, and should be very focused. Asynchronous has advantages including allowing students more time to think about and compose their responses, as well as in replying to classmates responses.
When engaging with students about their input into the discussions, use words and tones that build confidence instead of cutting a student down.
Asychronous and synchronis discussions and management of those discussions will take consideration.
Honestly, what hit me most was the reminder to allow small talk at the begiining and end of the synchronous learning to further relationship building.
I found the pros and cons of synchronous and asynchronous learning particularly interesting, and was quite surprisd to learn that more learning of core concepts tends to take place in asynchronous learning than synchronous.
I think it's important to make sure to keep the discussions streamlined. If you do not it will almost be impossible to stay on task.
Information presented regarding asynchronous and synchronous provides a good way of managing course discussions amongst students.
Information presented regarding asynchronous and synchronous provides a good way of managing course discussions amongst students.
