Synchronous vs. Asynchronous
In my program we pride ourselves on a primarily asynchronous program. By doing so it provides more flexibility. However there is a lack of connection wit Asynchronous programs. What do you believe is the best? Synchronous, Asynchronous, or a blend.? Some educators are quick to suggest Synchronous learning without taking into account the very real limitation of student’s, home, work, and personal schedules. I am open to hearing my classmates’ thoughts on the matter.
Willie ,
There are a variety of things you can do to engage your students. Not all students learn by reading text online and doing assignments or taking quizzes. We have to engage them and synchronous chats are a good way. Thanks!
I believe that a blend is important. This, I believe, will give us the opportunity to meet all students at their levels. I worked for an online program that only asynchronous communication. At first I thought, "Oh wow! This is great! I don't have to worry about scheduling chat sessions or anything!" But, after awhile, I came to realize that my students need some synchronous time with me so that I could fully explain the assignments in great detail.
Ed,
A good combination of asynchronous and synchronous learning can be very effective. I do record all of my synchronous sessions so those who are not in attendance or those who need to refer to the content later, can do to. Thanks for your question.
Dr. Tena B. Crews
Ed,
It's good to combine the two if you can. It gives you and the students more flexibility. Thanks for your input.
We have always favored the synchronous delivery approach as many of the live relevant questions add value to our courses, but never really considered the positives that available chat archives can offer to our programs. We may have to look deeper into adding asynchronous material.Do you record all online sessions?
We have always favored the synchronous delivery approach as many of the live relevant questions add value to our courses, but never really considered the positives that available chat archives can offer to our programs.we may have to look deeper into adding asynchronous material.
Frank,
I like the combination approach too. It's not always possible due to institutional requirements, but if I have any control, I use both. Thanks for your input.
In my opinion online courses should be a combination of synchronous and asynchonous communication between the instructor and the students. having a blend of these two different types of communication startegy allows for the student to receive the best aspects of both forms of communication in the overall learning process.
Frank Nolan
Alan,
Good point. Many times it depends on the learning outcomes, content, students, etc. I like using both, but we all have to assess what works best for the instructor, content and students. Thanks.
Much depends on the model established when enrolling students. We use both approaches depending on the program. Programs such as graphic arts have as many as four synchonous hours of instruction per week, that is recorded during the session. As we are marketed as an asynchronous school, we have to abide by the option that students may participate live, or choose to watch the recording, but we can mandate attendance in one format or another.
Other programs and courses do not require as much demonstration and we use as few as one hours of synchornous lecture/discussion per week with the same guidelines as above. This works fairly well for us.
Michelle,
This is interesting that you are seeing a pattern between students' actions in a synchronous vs. asynchronous environment. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I teach for 2 separate schools with one using synchronous learning and the other asynchronous. My experience is that the students 'say' they want synchronous, but very few students utilize the capability. I don't believe it's so much the synchronous environment that they desire as much as they just need to feel 'connected'. If an instructor can find a way to fulfill that in an asynchronous environment then all is well.
Patricia,
To me, many times, it depends on the course. There are some writing classes where I prefer the blended environment, but other more software driving courses that work very well in a pure online format. Thanks for your input.
I actually prefer the hybrid/combined format, if I had a choice.
I like the interaction with students, and the ability to read their unspoken cues in a classroom setting, but really value the asynchronous flexibility as well.
Jane,
I agree. Formative assessments provides essential information for instructors to develop an effective learning environment. Thanks for your input.
Taking a formative view as the course progresses sometime changes my approach. Some classes are very active in "live chat", other sections I never hear from anyone. It seems it always a challenge to find the right mix for any group of students at a given time.
Martha,
A good combination between the two can be very effective. It is what I implement in my classroom in the online environment. Excellent.
Online classes should include a blend of asynchronous and synchronous presentations. The synchronous programs provide students with "live" access to the instructor in a classroom envirmonment that permits the students to ask questions. You mentioned home, work, and personal schedules as being a negative aspect of synchronous learning. One must also take into account the different time zones in which students and the instructor live. I believe a blend of the live and a recorded presentation is the best route for an online class.
Tanya,
I like the blend too. Even if it's an all asynchronous class, I like to incorporate/offer synchronous helpful sessions as well. Thanks!
Dr. Tena B. Crews
