Due to the Pro/Con nature of both, intend to mix them appropriately.
I learned that both syncronous and asyncronous can work. Communication and organization is very important.
Synchronous and Asynchronous learning are both important in an online environment. Communication is key to a successful E-learning course.
I am working in an enviroment that actually is utilizing a blending of both styles. We have daily calls that all students are required to be on, but they also have a component of the class that they have to complete on their own time and submit by certain deadlines. It really highlights students that are sucessful with both methods and also highlights students that struggle with one style or the other.
I like the emphasis on the importance of regularity and following a predictable pattern so students learn what to expect and where to go for resources and assignment submission. I feel this predictability is especially important now as we are changing to online teaching and using new and unfamiliar tools.
Guidelines need to be clearly shared for students to understand their role in the learning process. I like the idea of a discussion board for math class- to understand where the students are at and what they need.
Deciding whether your class will be asychronous, sycronous, or a hybrid fof both needs to be decided before the class begins. Also, there are advantages and disadvantaes to both that need to be considered.
It is extreamly important that the student communicate with the instructor and the student should have a way, in either environment, to ask questions and/or make comments.
A thought both methods are effective, I've learned that a mixture of the two at times keep the students more engaged.
Communication and being clear about expectations is a key part of online learning and instruction.
As Korinne Toadvie stated, I think both synchronous and asynchronous teaching will be required. particularly as I teach high school. My kids will need to be able to see me, even if only on a video screen. Even the most "self-sufficient" I think will need that, and I am pondering how to do "mini-interviews" individually. Many of my kids will not ask for help until they are floundering, the weekly "check-ins" with me might help avoid that.
The amount of organizational work I will have to do to be able to start off as recoomended asynchronously is overwhelming. In a traditional, synchronous learning setting, I only present a unit at a time, then often reteach if needed after assessment-- my pacing is somewhat fluid and is almost constantly adjusted. I am jotting down questions for my admin as regards whether all content needs to be ready and available to students from the beginning and if they will self-pace or if I will "unlock" modules after the successful completion (clearly spelled out) of one.
Clear communication must be given for both asynchronous and synchronous learning.
I will contine to establish a consistent pattern of teaching.
Components in an effective pattern of teaching include:
- learning outcomes
- communication
- centralized location
- content delivery
- assignment submission, and
- questions and answers
I have learned that an instructor needs to be organized inorder to effectively construct a learning environment and delivery method that best meets the needs of the students whether the course meets synchronously or asynchronously. I have taken courses both synchronously and asynchronously. I benefited more from the synchronous course because I had to work my schedule around the time the course was being held which lessened procrastination on my part. Having an instructor that is very organized assures that all of the necessary tools and guidelines are in place will benefit students using either method.
Whether using synchronous, asynchonous, or a mix of both methods, guidelines must be organized and clearly communicated to the students. Without clear communication, students will become confused and disengaged and the learning process will be hindered or possibly halted.
Understanding what technical tools to use when and what for is necessary when teaching online successfully.
Whether you are teachiing in a sychronous or asycronous situation, organization, teacher delivery, and commuication all play key roles in the students success. A blended setting may work well in most cases, but the student ability to Be There at That time must be taken into consideration.
I have had to incorporate both methods of teaching due to Covid-19. What I have learned is online education is not for every student.
Communication is key and to have a desnigated rea for the students to access all of the classrom information.
With Asynchronus and synchronous learning, one is not better than the other, they both have advanages and disadvantages. It takes course evaluation to determine the best tool for content delivery. Asynchronous learning provides a more flexible program in which it is self paced, but assignments still must have a deadline because the downside to this is procastination in some students staying on top of the work in a timely manner. Synchronous provides real time interaction between students and instructors, but with this it is important that all students have access to high speed internet, and setting a time where everyone can meet with consideration of other commitments such as work and family life.
