Comparing Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning 1
Comparing Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning 1
Asynchronous Learning
This blog compares the aspects of asynchronous and synchronous learning. We welcome your
thoughts regarding the advantages and disadvantages of each learning modality, the
differences in facilitation strategies required for each environment, and the differences
between facilitators and learners in each type of learning.
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Learning Modalities Summary
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Learning Modalities Summary
Asynchronous and synchronous learning are two online educational delivery modalities. There
are advantages and disadvantages to both delivery modalities. Asynchronous and synchronous
delivery modalities employ different facilitation strategies. Each modality has differences
related to facilitators and learners.
This learning team chose a blog as the delivery method to present a comparison of
asynchronous and synchronous learning modalities.Employing a blog as the delivery medium
allows information to be presented to a diverse audience who can connect to the Internet at his
or her convenience as well as serving as an example of asynchronous learning. Using a blog
allows for future reference to the information provided. Using a blog as a delivery medium in
asynchronous learning environments is a tool that allows posting of important information,
materials, notes, questions, and directions. Learners can access blogs at his or her convenience,
not at a scheduled time (Business Software, 2011).
By employing a blog to use in the asynchronous learning environment, the advantages far
outweigh the disadvantages for learners. A blog can be accessed at the convenience to the
learner. The information can be retrieved anytime, anywhere, and used as references.
Discussion questions, instructions, comments, references, and other notes can be posted for
the learner to access when needed.
In comparing aspects of asynchronous and synchronous learning, the same topic used to teach
in an asynchronous environment will be used to describe instruction in a synchronous course.
Synchronous course provide online learning environments that are very interactive and use
web conferencing products (Skylar, 2009, pp.71-72). The technology used today has changed
over time and is convenient and easy for learners to access his or her instruction from his or her
own desktop or laptop computer. Web conferencing is a tool used in this comparison. Web
conferencing increases the effects of the traditional classroom experience. In order to use the
same topic used in the asynchronous blog, as an example, a few elements will change (Skylar,
2009).
First, a synchronous environment requires a set date and time for meeting. Through this
format, learners participate using the text chat function, voice communication using a
microphone, whiteboard tools, and real time surveys called polling. Polling gauges learners
comprehension and increase learner involvement in a web conferencing environment. It is
important that interactions takes place as it determines the effectiveness of the class. For
example, instead of a table posted in a blog, in the synchronous learning environment, learners
could post their input on a Whiteboard. Another important factor in a synchronous
environment is the instructors technical ability in managing the software. This is a very
important aspect of web conference to ensure successful conferencing. So many things can go
wrong if the right equipment and the instructor are not knowledgeable about how they may
troubleshoot problems. This knowledge or lack of knowledge will have a positive or negative
impact on the transmitting of a web conference. In a synchronous environment, instruction is
live. One way to overcome the challenges of the web-conference would be to have the
conference taped and have learners respond to the instructor by texting his or her questions
until the problem is resolved (Skylar, 2009).
When comparing asynchronous and synchronous learning modalities, it is easy to see the
similarities. Both methods of instruction are done online and can be accessed with ease as long
as the learner can access the internet. There are advantages and disadvantages to both
modalities. Asynchronous and synchronous learning modalities also have differences related to
facilitators and learners. Advantages and disadvantages to each modality are related to, but not
limited to learning styles, personality, exposure to learning environments and past learning
experiences. Both modalities employ different facilitation strategies. The use of blogs in the
online learning environment gives learners the ability to access information related to courses
anytime, anywhere. Use of blogs in the learning environment is an example of asynchronous
learning. In the synchronous learning environment, polling or the use of Whiteboards may be
employed where learner involvement is immediate.
http://aet531teambdec2011.blogspot.my/p/learning-modalities-summary.html
Pembelajaran tidak segerak dan segerak adalah dua kaedah pendidikan pendidikan
dalam talian. Terdapat kelebihan dan kekurangan untuk modaliti penghantaran. Kaedah
pengiriman tak segerak dan segerak menggunakan strategi pemudahan yang berlainan. Setiap
modaliti mempunyai perbezaan yang berkaitan dengan fasilitator dan pelajar.
Apabila membandingkan kaedah pembelajaran yang tidak segerak dan segerak, mudah untuk
melihat persamaan. Kedua-dua kaedah pengajaran dilakukan secara dalam talian dan boleh
diakses dengan mudah selagi pelajar dapat mengakses internet. Terdapat kelebihan dan
kekurangan kepada kedua-dua modaliti. Kaedah pembelajaran tak segerak dan segerak juga
mempunyai perbezaan yang berkaitan dengan fasilitator dan pelajar. Kelebihan dan kekurangan
bagi setiap modaliti adalah berkaitan dengan, tetapi tidak terhad kepada gaya pembelajaran,
personaliti, pendedahan kepada persekitaran pembelajaran dan pengalaman pembelajaran
masa lalu. Kedua-dua modaliti menggunakan strategi pemudahan yang berlainan. Penggunaan
blog dalam persekitaran pembelajaran online memberikan pelajar kemampuan untuk
mengakses maklumat yang berkaitan dengan kursus bila-bila masa, di mana saja. Penggunaan
blog dalam persekitaran pembelajaran adalah contoh pembelajaran tak segerak. Dalam
persekitaran pembelajaran segerak, pengundian atau penggunaan Whiteboards boleh
digunakan di mana penglibatan pelajar adalah dengan serta-merta.
Business Software2011