Over all, I'd say that I am much more a fan of synchronous teaching environment. I do appreciate that this is often harder to facilitate because of scheduling/etc, but the positives, assuming all students are somehow available, outweigh the negatives.
There are advantages to both synchronous and asynchronous learning. The biggest disadvantage to asynchronous learning is that it requires more self-motivation on the part of the student. Synchronous learning engages students which is a way to motivate them too.
I have learned that organization and communication are key components in online learning. If we do not have either of these it will be hard for the student to be successful. Also, consistancy is very important as well. Students can get into a rhythm in a classroom environment if there is consistancy which will lead to them being more successful.
I can see how both the synchronous and the asynchronous approach have both advantages and disadvantages. My preference is majority of the content be presented in asynchronous format through over voice PP, discussion/response, online assessments, weekly virtual class interaction, and virtual office hours. The asynchronous learning provides our students with anytime and anywhere access, as well as, self-learning in a constructivist model, which puts more responsibility on the learner to engage and demonstrate the depth of their understanding. The less engaged learner will require more monitoring and all will require constant and supportive feedback and encouragement!
I learned that communicatoin and organization is the key, to student and instructor understand the course.
I feel this was important to learn about the two different environments of learning. In both its essential to communicate and be engaged with students. You must have some type of flow as an instructor so that content is organized.
I personally would like asynchronis and not have to coordinate all the students through time restrictions
I learned that with an effective framework of learning based on the online environment, it will help establish a consistent learning enviroment.
Communications is the Key to any teaching enviroment
Oraganization and consistency are very important. communication is vital.
I have learned greatly about a virtual classroom and asynchronus vs synchronous delivery systems.
Asynchrous learning has to be very organized and consistent .In order for the student to be able to learn .More of the berden is on them.
I have been using asynchronous methods of the teaching and learning for a few years. I can see the benefit of using synchronous teaching methods for an online course. I just worry about all the students having the right materials and broadband speeds for accessing the materials and following along on their systems.
Consistency is key. Training the students so they know where to find all materials, meetings, etc. and reinforcing the same practices regularly. Building routine and making sure students are set up to be comfortable and successful in an online learning environment.
I learned that i need to use both sychronus and asynchronus learning to meet the course objectives. I also learned that communication about expectations and how to navigate the course is the most important factor.
We are using zoom meetings and I am voicing over my powerpoints also I post assignments and their due dates a week before they are due so the students have ample time to complete them
Consistency in course organization and expectations is key to students efficiently utilizing online course material and achieving learning objectives. Also, knowing which communication method is most effective will lead to high achievement from online learners.
Guidelines must be developed to make sure the content is understood, knowing that students learn differently. Engaging is a key component in learning.
I learned a lot of advantages and disadvantages of both the asynchronous and synchronous learning environment. I've taken college courses online so I got to experience the asynchronous environment and I've been in the classroom with students, so I got to experience synchronous as well and I see how both can be valuable. But teaching in the asynchronous environment will be challenging.
I find that clear and concistant communication is the most important factor. This will prevent confusion for the students and keep them from giving up on the course.
