I mostly use asynchronous communication tools in the classroom; however, I heavily engage in one-on-one interaction with students when explaining new concepts. However, for some classrooms both asynchronous and synchronous communication is present.
Kimberley,
Yes, it is important to respect a students' views. I think you are using the asynchronous and synchronous communication very smartly.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
I think the use of these communication tools depends on what where the course is. I prefer to use synchronous communication at the beginning and end of the course. At the beginning I am able to guide my students and build a rapport with them. Through synchronous communication I establish a firm footing for them to understanding the information. At the end I want to hear their thoughts and feedback and thank them for attending the course.
However I think that asynchronous communication is best utilized throughout the course and as often as possible so that you maintain the commutation and collaboration between the student an the instructor.
Dr. Eileen ,
The key to what you say is "tools". You have more than one tool to use to provide a robust teaching for your students.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Since I work in an environment developed by our company, I have no choice in what tools we offer. However, our virtual campus is outstanding. We have synchronous tools such as instant messaging and chat rooms as well as asynchronous tools such as discussion boards, archived chats and email. We also have a way to set up groups within the classr4oom and allow students to work together in synchronous chats, or asynchronous discussion boards to produce a group project. Every tool you mentioned is available in our virtual campus.
Stanley,
That is interesting, how do you use YouTube videos? Are they videos that you create or videos you found.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Lois,
That is interesting. I do not encourage using phone as I have found that many of my adult learners will use that and not the computer. It becomes frustrating.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Christi,
True, I think it does connect students particularly adult learners. Do you record your chats/
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Tom,
True, I try to stay with the tools within the LMS. You can overwhelm students by asking them to use a host of tools that are not connected. Great point.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Edna,
If you have a true distance course that provides anytime anywhere learning, synchronous chats will not work. I have used this type of delivery for virtual office hours which I move around to account for time.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Jeffrey,
Great post! You are right, it does give students a connection, particularly nontraditional students. Using the instant messaging system is a great idea. It is also using a tool they will see in the workforce.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
Lauree,
That is an interesting strategy that really makes since. We change our strategies in f2f courses all the time based on the culture of the class, why not in an online course. Great post.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
My university mandates live chats each week and facilitates asynchronous contact by instant messaging and email. I also make my personal phone number available and encourage students to use it.
My institution requires 1 or 2 live chats a week, but I have the opportunity to schedule additional live chats as needed. I supplement that with emails, IMs, and YouTube videos.
I use them both. The benefit of asynchronous tools is the student can schedule their time for logging in. This allows flexibility for the student. I use live meetings weekly as a synchronous tool to provide real time interaction with the students. This allows the students to ask questions in real time and other students can see those questions. The synchronous tool in my opinion inspires learning because it allows students to gain additional perspectives based on the questions asked by other students. It is somewhat of a personal feel as well.
The platform that supports the LMS will enable to determine whether to use Asynchronous and synchronous communication tools. Most LMS systems that I have used offer both systems. Personally I prefer using both every week to meet the needs of various learning styles. Thanks, Tom
The Institutions I teach for provide the curriculum and do not require synchronous sessions. Discussions are asynchronous and to further assist the students I occasionally hold synchronous chat sessions for those who want additional help, although these are not mandatory.
Edna Murugan
I find that both synchronous and synchronous are useful in online classroom setting. Synchronous is real time interaction and helps build more of sense of involvement for the student. It can be used to get students acquainted with each other as well as with myself as the instructor. Students expect a quick response and synchronous communication provides for increased student involvement and motivation. Through synchronous communication I can encourage students more easily to keep up- to-date. Online chats and the use of the school’s instant messaging system is great for an exchange of ideas between students and myself, and in chats between student to student.
Asynchronous communication is also useful in an online setting since students often cannot meet in real time due to family, work and other commitments. This type of communication also allows students more time to think since immediate reaction is not required. Discussion boards and emails are excellent asynchronous communication tools and certainly have their place in the online classroom. They allow for student to process and reflect on the information before responding.
In both types of communication, synchronous and asynchronous, as an instructor I must be alert as to who is and who is not participating. I also try to make it clear in my opening expectation announcement the rules for participation for both types of communication.
Depending on the class that I am teaching AND the student population that I am working with will determine my balance of asynchronous or synchronous communication.
If my student population is new to online OR my class subject has a higher complexity then I opt for more synchronous "question & answer chat hours".
James,
True, some online courses are very ordered by the institution. You have to develop those ways to reach out to students within the perimeter of institution.
Dr. Kelly Wilkinson
