Synchronous vs Asynchronous learning
Which is most effective with undergraduate students?
Dale,
It really is learn preference and we have to recognize that. You make such a great point regarding the individual student succeeding in both environments with great support of the instructor.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think this is a great question, but as with a lot of others, I think it would really depened on the learning style of the student. Some students need that real time contact. They need to hear a voice and see a face, they need to ask question and get immediate responses. Other students don't need that. You give them the directions and off they go. I find that those students who have been in an asynchronous learning for a long time, usually do better with it.
John,
Students expect "educatainment" education that is entertaining. They don't want to learn something they don't like. Sometimes we have to "just clean a bathroom" I say this as I hate to do it but it has to be done. Students to see learning in this light at all.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I agree. If online learning could be a game with high graphics and rapid fire activity, many would move forward very quickly.
Compared to what many students have done over their young lives, reading an online lecture or responding in a forum becomes drudgery. I have heard in some cases that school is just too boring and I attribute some of that to the fast paced video game student trying to transition to a structured learning environment.
Rolando,
I agree that both synchronous and asynchronous communication is great. The students are lucky to have you.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Wilkinson in addition to my weekly two live chat sessions (mornings and evenings) I hold one live session office hour on Saturday mornings. Thus having three live synchronous chat sessions along with email (which I read at least twice a day—seven days a week) along with including a discussion thread specifically for “Q&A†works great—combining synchronous and asynchronous methods for communicating with students though the course (usually five-week sessions) work great. Online students will usually feel less lonely… Rolando
Suzanne,
Yes, I am not a fan of lazy writing. I do use the 140 characters to teaching concise writing!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Dr. Wilkinson:
Perhaps you mean that you are surprised by their "lack" of word skills? That has been my experience at least. Ungraduate students, in general, seem not be too quality-oriented and may not understand the value of taking time to enjoy the moment and learn for learning's sake.
Suzanne
Kim,
How do you handle your office hours? Do you use chat?
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think it really depends on how the course is set up and if effective communication is in place.
I teach online in an asynchronous environment and try to keep it as organized as possible and helps that I have an accounting background and teach accounting. I also have office hours twice each week, in which students can reach me live and most undergraduate students do quite well with this difficult subject.
Kim
Howard,
That is true but their technology skills are wide and shallow. They don't have production skills regarding to technology. I am still surprised about their Word skills!
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I agree with Dr. Wilkinson's reply. Also, I suspect you will find that undergrads are much more computer savvy that those in post secondary programs since the majority of current undergrads were born with laptops in their hands and never knew life before the personal computer. Many, in fact, never knew life without the internet!
Shannon,
It really is more a matter of good communication. How you consistently "reach" the student is what is important.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
