Synchronous discussions can be beneficial to students and is even encouraged. That being said, it should be utilized more for individual questions and feedback rather than for learning purposes.
I thought this unit was good in explaining the difference between synchronis and Asnchronis discussions and the need and use for both. But the explainanation on why to use Asnchronisis to teach content was extremely helpful.
Body language is an important aspect of how we communicate, we have to compensate for body language not being part of how we are "talking" to the students.
Roger
In this module, I have learned the difference between asynchronous and syncrhonous discussions. I have learned how to implement asynchronous discussions in an onlne learning platform.
I intended to establish some form of an asynchronous discussion in my online course.
The Engaging Learners Module reiterated the need for me to continue providing my students with timely feedback and to strategically reach out to the students that are often hesitant to participate in group learning activities. In order to address to the first item stated above, I plan on using one (1) specific day of the week as my grading and commentary day which will allow me an opportunity to review students’ work, assess it, and provide them with explicit details about their performance on the given task as it correlates to the expectations stated on the rubric. With regard to the second item stated above, I intend to have breakout sessions with identified students as needed, maintain consistent email correspondence with them, and provide tutoring or help sessions via phone communication.
The most important aspect of online learning is the same as classroom learning. An instructor has to determine what category a student is in for their learning/participation style and adapt to that student in order to efficiently deliver the content. Some students thrive on synchronous 'chats' while others will wait patiently for asynchronous feedback. Both styles work quite well and a good online instructor will quickly determine how and when to use each.
Asynchronous discussions are the essential to enhancing learning for tudents in the online environment. It allows for various personalities and backgrounds to interact, with a detailed, well thoughout response in discussions vs synchronous discussions that can be overpowered by fast typers and the anxiety associated with technology and responding to a discussion.
It is interesting that asynchronous discussions are the heart of an online course. That is opposrite of a classroom setting. I like the fact that asynchronous discussions encourage participation by all students. The barriers for students who normally have limited participation in a classroom, are mostly removed in an elearning environment.
In my view, the disadvantages to using synchronous discussion are such that I don't see me utilizing synchronous discussion.
The section on provding feedback is really important for me. In a classroom I rely on non-verbal feedback (smiles, nods, confused looks, etc.) to communicate to my students. The absence of these types of feedback makes me realize I need to aquire new techniques for use in an elearning environment.
Asynchronous groups can be all of my class, whereas chats and single student discussions should be 1-6 students. I hope to schedule regular chats as well as respond at a minimum of once per week with each student online. I may have to combine my responses since I do have some students more than once in a day for diferent courses and some courses are offered multiple times during the day. I think that I will use Edmodo for my communication as I have done thus far and make sub-groups for classes, but keep the whole course (even if over several class periods) under one class title so that students who are taking the same class but during different cvlass periods can communicate and share.
First, I learned the difference between synchronous and asynchronous discussion. Next, I learned how to guide the discussions, provide student expectations for the discussion, and to give how to give feedback to students.
I can encourage my students by providing feedback discussion.
I find that it is interesting that students who would not normally participate are more likely to engage with asynchronous discussions as long as you engage with them.
It is important to understand the different learning styles student have. This will help with managing the class a little better. Also I have a better understanding of asynchronous and synchronous learning.
I learned that constructive and positive feedback is essential to encourage participation and motivation. Also some criticism should be emailed to the student and not shared with the class.
I have learned the difference in the terminology of synchronous vs asynchronous discussions.
What a simple, clearly understood explanation and examples for Synchronous vs. Asynchronous.
Synchronous should not be used to teach critical content. Nor should it be used to evaluate a student's knowledge of the course content.
Synchronous (example Chat room) is for small groups up to 5 or 6. Keep session at a maximum of 30 minutes. Great when one-on-one with a student. Must consider time zones and give students what information is needed in advance so they can prepare. Whereas with Asynchronous (exaple a discusssion post/board) instructor has to facilatate in such a way as to monitor discussion, structure interaction, provide rules of netiquette, keep to the point, keep group focused, do not allow for rambling..just some of the main points on asynchronous.
Also the ways students approach their learning. This is information every teacher needs to know from the start. I have seen these appraoches from day one of becoming a teacher. Had I known what I know now, I would not have taken how the students were behaving so personally.
It is important to keep all students engaged in the course discussions, & to give valuable feedback to each student.
Keep students motivated with interesting discussions and teacher participation. Also, always encouraging comments and feedback are essential.
This module helps to clarify why students may have difficulty participating and provides steps on how to draw out the reluctant learner. First identify the passive student’s learning style as an Avoidant, Competitive, or Dependent and then implement best online practices, procedures and strategies to engage the student. Again the module emphasizes the importance of communicating to our students in a timely and positive way that will promote self-autonomy and support effective instruction.
Reply to Carolyn Farrell's post:I found online learning styles - avoidant, competitive and dependent to be very similar to in person classes that I have presented over the years. It explains the reactions and evaluations from the students. Also tought me what to look for in the presentation.
