The role of the instructor is fundamental in an online course on other ways beyond their ability to share knowledge or skills on the subject matter. Fostering participation is the most important. One has to be aware of the possibilities and strategies to engage students on the different forms of participating and, always, provide timely and useful feedback. Of course, it will work if students also provide feedback about what the instructor does or does not do.
I learned the differences between asynchronous and synchronous discussions. Synchronous discussions are live and scheduled. While asynchronous discussions are not scheduled at a certain time but students and instructor can post to the discussion when convenient for them.
This module provided important information and strategies regarding synchronous and asynchronous learning.
It's important to give students the feedback they need in a timely manner that promotes building confidence in the material, as well as learning in the way best for the student.
Manage all discussions effectively.
Personalised assistance is a beneficial approach. It helps build trust and confidence in students. By tailoring support to individual needs, we can enhance their learning experience and promote success.
Asynchronous is the preferred form of discussions because it gives opportunities for student's to all participate over a longer period of time.
I learned that synchronous forums are not good for imparting essential information and some strategies for improving their use in online courses. I gained some insight in how to better run asynchronous discussion forums that I will utilize in my courses. It was also very helpful to identify the main learning styles and how to recognize them. This will be useful in engaging students with my course content.
When to use asynchronous and synchronous discussions also, I will provide my students with appropriate feedback.
Posting various discussions allow for multiple perspectives from students.
Understanding the difference in Asynchronous and Synchronous is important to the class and class size. Remember to have rules, and good discussion question and small groups for good learning
I actually loved the continued education on synchronous and asynchronous, and understanding the difference. I realized that the student participation is very very important especially when it comes to retaining information.
In this section, we read about the best ways to foster engagement and participation in synchronous and asynchronous discussions. I think the best way to really engage with students is face-to-face, but that may not always be possible in an online setting. Therefore, when it is done, it should be done with one student at a time, or in small groups with time allowed at the beginning and end for socialization and closing remarks. For asynchronous, it might allow for more participation from each person, at their own pace. However, it is important that you participate, as the instructor, in the discussion too!
I learned that it is important to keep synchronous sessions to no more than 30 minutes. I do think it is wise to split up instruction. If you go too long in a synchronous classroom without varying your instruction or mixing things up, students will zone out quickly.
The importance of positive feedback and strategies implemented to engage students in active learning.
This taught the difference between Asynchronous and Synchronous and how to Navigate them the online. This also taught how to provide any criticism online which should be via email
Learning the differences between synchronous and asynchronous; how and when to use them in a discussion session, and responding promptly to the students will encourage participation in future discussions and activities.
It is knowing these various aspects of asynchronous and synchronous and integrating the supportive measures by the instructor as the need is demonstrated by said student.
Asynchronous learning may cause a shy student to be less opposed to participate in classroom discussions than in-person learning, and not be empowered by more confident students who are always willing to speak up in class.
