Moodle and Zoom pretty much cover all the differnt technologies and types covered.
This module addressed the differences between Asynchronous and Synchronous teaching including the advantages and disadvantages of each method. If both of these methods are done correctly and good communication is established with the students, then it can be effective. This requires good time management and organizational skills on behalf of the instructor and students.
I have learned it is important to know which method of online learning will help the student learn best. Also that having a clear communication is very important.
Setting up discussion post not only allows communication between students. It also allows the students to ask quesitons.
I have and do both asynch and synch online instruction. Most prefer asynch simply due to scheduling and flexibility. If/when synch is used, it needs to be rewarded to incent students to utilize it. If there is no reward, the attendance suffers.
I plan on using both synchronous and asynchronous techniques. I feel that they both have a place in the online learning environment. For example, I belive that course lecture should be synchronous giving the learner the opportunity to ask questions in real-time. Having questions answered in real-time, especially if the content is very technical, can alleviate the learners anxiety. However, answering posted questions, in my opinion, should be offered in an asynchronous mode. Also, I feel that learners must submit their answeres before being allowed to see the postings of other learners.
Consistency is key when developing an online course. Having a consistent way in which a course is structured helps students know what to expect and where to consistently find things.
It is important to have both synchronus and asynchronus sessions as synchronus allows for freer communication and helps to ensure that students understand the concepts or instructions and it allows them to learn from each other. asynchronus allows for aldult learning and gives freedom to the student to respond at a time that is best for them.
I learned that to organize a course content you have a differents methods to develop the material.
A pattern of teaching basically characterizes how an instructor provides information to students and how his/her virtual classroom practice becomes obvious as it is repeated consistently over a period of time.
Communication and organization are the key to a successful online course in both syncronous and asyncronous.
There are apprpraite moments for both synchromous and asynchronous learning. Some students like the live interaction with the instructor, howveer, some students (may be due to time zone differences) are unablet o be live, but should still have the benefit of having a lively discussion and interaction via a recorded lecture. There are positives to both types.
Whether synchronus or asynchronus a course will only be successful with consistency and communication from the instructor.
My personal opinion, not all students can study with an asynchronous method, there must be commitment, time and concentration to achieve effective learning. There is a population of students who have to study synchronously in a real-time environment in order to achieve this learning and be focused on the subject.
Really, distance education in its minimum or maximum expression will now be ahead in our lives. Determining if the course is synchronous or asynchronous must vary according to the purpose, the audience and the availability of resources to make it a quality one.
In this module, I have learned the importance of consistency in course design, activities, and teaching style and its relationship to learning outcomes. I will evaluate the components of an effective teaching pattern in my online courses:
(a) learning outcomes, (b) communication, (c) centralized location, (d) content delivery, (e) submission of assignments, and (f) questions and answers.
Organization and accessibility are important forlearning.
It is very important to establish the rules and guideness of a course at the beginning.
Both synchronus and asynchronus method have advantages and disadvantages, But organinization is most important. If organized properly it will be a good learning tool.
I teach in an asynchronous environment. Organization is the key! It is important to set up the course in a chronological, week-to-week manner and to have each block (week) organized in the same order (learning aids like PowerPoints and videos, discussion boards, assignments, quizzes, etc.). There should also be a student lounge-type discussion board for students to post questions and interact informally with each other. I liked the idea of an FAQ discussion board. I plan to further investigate this idea and implement it in my online, asynchronous environment.
