Synchronous versus Asynchronous
Synchronous versus Asynchronous. I vote for Asynchronous. I think this is best for online learners. I find most of the time Synchronous learning to be a waste of the professors time. Most students do not show up for live chats nor are they active if they do. Everyone-What have you found?
Rosalind,
You make a great point. The sessions are not a waste of time if it does benefit students and isn't onerous for you. I have used it for office hours.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Hello Zara,
Both styles have pros and cons and you will have students who thrive in one or the other environment. I do not think it is a waste of time when I have only a few or one student attend my live session. Those students get my full undivided attention and gain a better understanding as I focus on their specific needs.
carol,
I do think the draw for many online is the learning anytime, anywhere. I do think you can post things that are "spur of the moment" but the reaction time may be longer.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I would have to agree with everyone here. The big draw for online courses is the ability to work at 1100 PM if that is my only available time. Yet, I can't help but wonder what discussion would lend itself to play better to synchronous? I think of courses that would ask students to vote or decide on something in a collaborative way. One of the disadvantages, if indeed it is, would be that in asynchronous the student has a chance to read and think over other responses. I'm an English teacher and if i wanted a knee jerk response, if you will, to a topic, I think I would like synchronous. Additionally if I were an architect or someone who wanted "top of your head" ideas, perhaps synchronous would be better. Wonder what you all think.
zara,
I agree with you. I have actually limited my synchronous communication to office hours and appointments. It does seem to make nontraditional students more comfortable in the beginning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
zara,
I agree with you. I have actually limited my synchronous communication to office hours and appointments. It does seem to make nontraditional students more comfortable in the beginning.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
