This module reminded me that online discussion isn’t a polite imitation of the classroom. It’s its own creature, slow and sprawling, built for reflection rather than rapid-fire theatrics. Asynchronous spaces demand structure, clear prompts, and an instructor who keeps the threads from metastasizing into chaos. Synchronous sessions, meanwhile, are best used sparingly and with small groups unless you enjoy watching fast typists bulldoze everyone else. I plan to apply this by designing discussion questions with tighter focus, building rubrics that reward genuine engagement rather than word count, and intervening early when avoidant or dependent learners start drifting toward silence. I’ll be more intentional about feedback—quick, direct, and calibrated to keep students from feeling like they’re writing into a void. Overall I’ll treat participation less like an incidental component and more like the spine of the course.
helps to learn the real difference in asynchronous and synchronous discussions
Comment on Christina King's post: That's some great insight. Thank you for helping me understand this better.
I see the importance of providing encouraging feedback, and also the importance of correction in a pleasant tone so as to not offend the reader.
It's about using the right style, asynchronous or synchronous for the group involved. Learning where each student is at in terms of their approach to learning - ei. Avoidant, Competitive, Dependent etc. is key to elevating the learner's ability to engage and learn.
I learned about the school's communication and expectations for synchronous and asynchronous learning and communication.
Engaging and building relationships with students is important to the overall success of the student.
It is important to constantly make sure the students are engaged.
Every student has a different learning style and it is often a good idea to provide instructional feedback as much as possible whether in an asynchronous environment or on a 1:1 basis via a synchronous environment.
This lesson taught me about the three types of personalities students may have and how those personalities act and learn. I also learned that giving feedback to students is crucial for them to build confidence. I plan on giving encouraging feedback and positive feedback to students to keep their spirits high and motivate them to keep moving towards their goals. It’s also important to ask the students for feedback for myself as well, so I can learn where I need to improve or if I need to slow down and go back over subjects
Students can have complex learning styles that are composed of more that one attribute.
Always check for understanding.
pay attention to different learning types
Fostering participation in asynchronous and synchronous discussions in the virtual or traditional classroom is key to the success of the session, taking into account all the elements that these involve.
It is most important to use asynchronous discussions to review the main content of the course and synchronous discussions for follow up on subject matters in a smaller groups or 1:1 session.
Asynchronous communication provides a flexible way for instructors and students to stay connected, creating ongoing opportunities for learning and feedback throughout the online course.
Asynchronous communication with students allows students and instructor to have an open line of communication that allows learning and feedback to be continuous during the online learning process.
asynchronous participation is a more desirable way to engage learners of all styles because they will be less reluctant to paticipate.
One on one synchronus interaction is essential in online courses as much as in face to face courses .
For some reason, I never realized I could ask for a few students to meet versus the entire class. I can easily tell the reluctant participants from the competitive and independent learners. I could meet with them and put them together in chat groups.
Feedback and engagement are essential to learning.
