Async vs Sync...
I find both avenues rewarding and provide a benefit to all students. It provides a chance to speak what may be difficult to write and write what may be difficult to speak. Both avenues shape the students and aid in their development and growth.
Thank you for your feedback and thoughts.
Monique
Kevin,
I think we need to use all of the tools at our disposal to build the most effective online learning environments. Just as we would change up our instruction in a traditional class, online classes need diversity.
Herbert Brown III
It could be said that having students write papers is a form of asynchronous learning in that they do not get immediate feedback. I think that synchronous and asynchronous learning both have their advantages and disadvantages, and which to use depends on the situation.
Monique,
I agree with your statement regarding synchronous and asynchronous learning, "It provides a chance to speak what may be difficult to write and write what may be difficult to speak." I would also like to add that in an asynchronous learning environment, the learner has some time constraints, but generally is learning at their convenience. The learner is mostly in control of their learning. On the other hand, a disadvantage is that the learning is in an environment that primarily promotes self-motivated learning which can be a problem for some learning styles.
The synchronous learning environment generally provides an environment geared toward collaborative learning. And an advantage with this type of learning environment is that the learner is part of a learning group and the learning pace is primarily determined by the instructor. On the other hand, a disadvantage can be that others are aware of the quality of each student's contributions to the class discussions, as well as any spelling and grammar errors.
Marybeth,
Excellent indications. It is a give-n-take in either activity.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I too find that synchronous and asynchronos are both important and advantageous for different reasons. Asynchronous allows the student more time to give a well deliberated and researched response. Synchronous discussions are good because there is immediate feedback that is more direct.
Trude,
Excellent contrast of the two. Your specific use of each tool, according to your teaching style(s), seems very appropriate. I would guess you have refine these tools to be very effective within their respective settings. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
I find synchronous and asynchronous activities important in different ways. Synchronous chats using voice permit me to explain, probe, encourage and challenge my students. I can provide examples. Hearing my voice helps them to get to know me as a person and we enjoy our time together.
Asynchronous activities are more cerebral. Students work hard on searching out scholarly sources and writing using APA format. I can ask tougher questions on our asychronous discussion boards.
I think both are very important.
Trude Fawson, Ph.D.
Joseph,
The truncated workshop setting (boot camp) can be quite challenging for the instructor as well as the learner. I can see how engaging in that cognitive challenge from time to time can help you continuously refine your online instructional techniques. Good insights. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Monique, I too enjoy both teaching environments and find that it is important for me to enter into the live classroom setting from time-to-time in order to hone my personal communication skills and to expand my technical knowledge base with regard to my specialized training. In the live setting, I typically prepare experienced students who wish to challenge a National Certification Examination; and in that setting, 10 of those students can really require the instructor to thoroughly know the subject matter and to be prepared to present the correct information in a logical sequence that engages and challenges them during a truncated workshop setting. Joe
Hi Monique,
Well said. The asynchronous text component provides for reflective dialogue, while the synchronous exchange often allows more efficient communication and quicker clarification. Thanks for your contribution.
