The information that I learned regarding asynchronous and synchronous discussions was quite useful and provided good advice when managing course discussions with my students.
The types of learners and how to approach each type of learner. How to hold discussions synchornous vs. asynchornous. Engaging with a student and providing encouragement and confidence and motivation to enhance their learning experience.
There are various learning styles of students , therefore it is with utmost importance to know your students so as a faculty , can bring out the best of the students and not have only the strong can dominate and the shy are left at the back burner. There should be guidelines when conducting either synchronous and asynchronous discussion so as not to veer away from the topic and to give each student a chance to voice out their opinions in a timely manner.
It is important to keep the conversation flowing in discussion-based learning forums. Sometimes it is on the instructor to ask questions that demand a response or as a means to direct the class through traffic.
I liked the suggestions for initiating and managing asynchronous discussions. Taking into consideration how quick a chat can go and how they impacts slow readers. I will evaluate closer how the students learn and adapt my teaching around that to make sure they are engaging and learning the content.
Make comments weekly and students learn to ask/comment in scheduled time
Research has shown that Generation X students prefer texting to phone calls. Asynchrounous communication allows students to gather their thoughts and organize appropriate wording prior to responding. Online discussions allow students to gather a sense of other students tone and depth prior to responding.
The information on asynchronous and synchronous discussions was very good. Also the ways to make both of these types of disscussions work in the classroom was of value.
Utilizing synchronous works best with one student and to clarify. I had no idea of that prior to this course
Asynchronous discussions are more effective in conveying important and essential information. Synchronous discussions can deter participation by learners who are slow readers and/or typers. I'm sure I'd use asynchronous discussion boards at least twice weekly with a required number of characters and points of fact. I'd also require they reply to at least two other students' posts constructively
Asynchronous discussions are best for more complex and important course material/concepts. Synchronous discussions discourage participation from shy learners, slow readers and typers, etc. You're liklier to experience greater participation with asynchronous discussions. I'd probably utilize discussion boards with a required number of characters and several points of fact to be covered a couple to a few times weekly.
I now see how to adequately implement synchronous and asynchronous meetings in my e-learning courses. I do believe that the synchonous meetings will be done over video-chat (Zoom or Google Meets). I think it would be easier to conduct it through video chat rather then typing and reading discussions.
Providing feedback in a timely manner is perhaps the best way to keep students engaged. We've all had online instructors who failed to grade papers, respond to discussion items, etc. and then at the end of the course you find there were areas you could have improved.
I love the use of discussion boards. I'm currently teaching a Windows Server 2016 course, which is pretty dry. I sometimes throw in discussions not always related to servers to keep them engaged. I also keep sychronous office hours though a daily Zoom meeting which students are free to log in and out of as they want. Sometimes they log in to ask about course material, sometimes it's just to chat.
I have used asynchronous meetings almost exclusively since my students go online at various times. It never occured to me that this method worked well for those who might be somewhat shy about speaking up in a 'live' setting! It does prove to be a challenge to manage my response time, so I review their posts throughout the day. I use personal e-mails to encourage some folks if it looks like they are 'slow' to respond, but I know these folks are usually parents or working double shifts, and I try hard to make it easier for them to keep up.
Encourage students to participate and be enthusiastic, boost confidance
Utilizing all your communication skills is essential for effectivness. Engaging with the students, keeping them focused with participation on the different discusions, maintaining all avenues of communication open, email the student if there is a concern keeping them informed and updated on any and all changes to the courses is also important.
Timely feedabck is essential to encourage elearners and have them stay engaged
I learned the difference between synchronoud and asychnrounous discussisons and how to best employ these tools.
You want to encourage participation by thoughtful, constructive feedback.
