When, why, and how to learn synchronously and asynchronously
It is a fact known to all that in the months and years ahead, online delivery will account for an increasingly large percentage of teaching and learning worldwide.
But it is valuable to evaluate the relative characteristics of both synchronous(in real time face to face) and asynchronous(via recorded lectures, or email and discussion boards) course delivery.
There is an ongoing debate in the eLearning community about the relative merits of both approaches to learning.
Complicating matters further are those who argue that the best approach remains in-person instruction, even eschewing face-to-face (but online) interactions.
Consistent evidence shows that both synchronous and asynchronous approaches can have similar outcomes, and that preferences and results depend more on an individual’s learning style rather than the type of delivery.
Why download this paper? Here are top 3 reasons:
-End of dilemma: Self-evaluation on the need of either asynchronous or synchronous method of delivery.
-End of ignorance: A subjective outlook to the comparative analysis by world renowned experts.
-New beginning: A guide to integration and blending of asynchronous and synchronous styles in your WizIQ Virtual Classroom.
With the successful advent and use of asynchronous resources like Khan Academy, Lecture Capture, Massive Open Online Courses or MOOCs, etc., the debate has gone deeper.
But many educational organizations are beginning to realize that both synchronous and asynchronous approaches are appropriate to address particular learning and teaching needs.
The comparative study can therefore be connected to the social and cognitive behaviour associated with using technology for learning.
This paper focuses on the limitations of both asynchronous and synchronous e-learning, and addresses questions such as when, why, and how to best use each mode of delivery.
The goal is to provide information to instructors, students, and institutions interested in using these modes, so they can best plan their learning programs and adapt for individual learning needs.
The paper looks at some interesting ways in which WizIQ can be used to blend asynchronous and synchronous styles.