I learned the difference in asynchronous and synchronous discussions in e-learning. Also, feedback should be provided in a timely manner and in a tone, it does not damage a student's dignity.
Feedback should always encourage more participation and further engagement in the course.
Asynchronous discussion is preferred to synchronous. For async discussion, more than just a few, but no more than forty students should participate. For synchronous (chat) five or six is the limit.
Using tact to preserve learners' positive experience is key.
It is important to treat others the way I would want to be treated - with diginity when being criticized; remember to motivate and instill confidence when signals are given and to promote participation when students display a lack of interest.
The guidelines need to be clear and concise and continually coaching needs to be provided.
Reply to Lawrence Bufalino's post: I agree, I am doing sychronous teaching right now and this has given me some good strategies.
If you hold synchronous sessions, provide students information prior to the chat session to better prepare them. To promote confidence and participation, provide feedback.
The use of differnt communication methods require different methods. The loss of facial and body communicvation must be compensated for in online instruction to maintain the proper meaning of written communication
Asynchronous participation is more predominant in a online learning environment,
As an online instructor I should make discussions open and try to keep them active to allow the students to help each other bounce thought processes and ideas off each other.
I feel that this section is more about social interaction in an online world
It is important to idenfify the learning styles of every student so as to be able to develop effective strategies that will encourage student participation in the discussions. It is also very important to give and receive feedback
It was good to gain a better understanding of synchronous and asynchronous techniques. I have been engaged as a learner in asynchronuos meetings and have seen the value in this type of learner. As an on-line facilitator I would use this method as it has been proven to engage learners consistently and effectively. I liked the information on the different types of learners for e-learning. I currently house assignments in Canvas for my interns that I oversee, I have a few avoidant participants. I will use the strategies provided moving forward.
It was good to gain a better understanding of synchronous and asynchronous techniques. I have been engaged as a learner in asynchronuos meetings and have seen the value in this type of learner. As an on-line facilitator I would use this method as it has been proven to engage learners consistently and effectively. I liked the information on the different types of learners for e-learning. I currently house assignments in Canvas for my interns that I oversee, I have a few avoidant participants. I will use the strategies provided moving forward.
I am concerned about the recommendation to email students with feedback on how they did with engaging in online discussions, and let them know their scores. I have about 120 students. That is lots of emails to compose and give specific feedback.
In a traditional setting, pupils learn best through seeing, hearing or doing and it's best if an instructor incorporates these three components to achieve maximum participation and learning outcomes. A differentiated lesson plan would help an instructor incorporate these three components.
How would an on-line instructor engage a student whose learning style is mainly avoidant?
I learnt about different learning styles, asynchronous and synchronous discussions as well as guidelines on giving feedback in an E-learning environment.
How would an on-line instructor modify the disruptive behaviour of students with avoidant, competitive and dependent learning styles?
The understanding of the two types of discussion wil help me in chats and on line discussions as my course goes forward. It is also good to hear that constructive criticism is okay when presented in an appropraite manner.
Difference between synchronous and asynchronous.
Going through this module I thought back to many online classes I took in college. Very few times did the professor participate in the discussion threads. I will absolutely be actively involved. I want my students to know I am there for them.
It is an important recommendation not to use synchronous discussions to instruct important course content or get a feel for students' understanding of the concept.
