Comment on Gulsebnem Bishop's post:
Hello, thank you for your question,
Yes, I believe communication is the most important in all aspects of learning and situations.
Synchronous and Asynchronous learning provide two different types of learning environments. Understanding the learning environment that you are teaching in will help to apply the modifications necessary in order to optimize the learning experience for the students. There are benefits and drawbacks with each environment and these should be considered when developing the teaching style for the course.
Having been an online student myself and having experienced both asynchronous and synchronous formats I prefer synchronous most. Watching a PowerPoint slide with voice-over was boring and I was not able to ask questions, I had to email the instructor and by the time the instructor got back to me I had moved on to the next assignment with little clarity on the previous. Voice-over is also boring and I am easily distracted. Synchronous instructions worked best because I was able to ask questions at the time of the presentation and if I had to miss for some reason it was required to watch the recording and write a synopsis. I would definitely utilize both options but in the asynchronous environment, I would keep the presentation to 5 minutes or less and respond to students ASAP.
I learned that an instructor really needs to know their class when deciding if you want to do synchronous or asynchronous learning. If a student is doing online learning there is a good chance that flexibility is a key reason for them so I would lean more asynchronous in my teaching style if that was the case.
There are positives and negatives with both. Need to know which one applies to what you are teaching.
The Symbiotic Balance Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning in Virtual Environments
The realm of online education unfolds a panorama of learning modalities, each with its own set of advantages, challenges, and instructional dynamics. The pivotal decision between synchronous and asynchronous learning isn’t a mere toss-up, but a nuanced choice rooted in the pedagogical objectives, the nature of the course content, and the diverse needs of the learners involved. The journey of deciphering the most conducive learning pathway for my online course has been an expedition of pedagogical self-discovery, technical acumen, and empathetic understanding of my students’ circumstances and learning preferences.
Synchronous learning, with its real-time interaction, mirrors the vibrancy and immediacy of a traditional classroom, albeit in a digital landscape. It fosters a sense of community, immediate feedback, and dynamic discussions, rendering a lively learning ambiance. However, the caveat is the logistic and time-zone constraints it imposes, potentially thwarting the participation of some students. The notion of having a fixed schedule could be a double-edged sword; while it instills a sense of routine, it also demands a level of commitment that might not align with every student’s personal circumstances.
On the flip side, asynchronous learning extends a canvas of flexibility, allowing learners to pace their learning journey according to their personal and professional commitments. The lack of real-time interaction is compensated by thoughtfully structured discussion forums, recorded lectures, and meticulously designed assignments. However, the self-paced nature could potentially foster procrastination, and the lack of immediate feedback might leave some students feeling adrift in the digital learning ocean.
In my endeavor to concoct a balanced learning elixir, I contemplate a blended approach, intertwining the immediacy of synchronous sessions with the flexibility of asynchronous activities. This blended model aims to cater to the diverse learning styles and life circumstances of the students while maintaining a robust, engaging learning environment.
In the synchronous sphere, I envision interactive lectures, group discussions, and real-time feedback sessions. Guidelines will be articulated to ensure smooth operation of these live sessions, such as etiquette for using audio-visual tools, raising virtual hands for queries, and maintaining a respectful and inclusive discourse.
In the asynchronous realm, a well-structured Learning Management System (LMS) will be the linchpin, housing course materials, discussion forums, and assignment submission portals. A clear roadmap will be provided to students right at the outset, outlining the course objectives, assessment criteria, and communication channels. Weekly discussion prompts, peer review sessions, and interactive quizzes will aim to keep the engagement alive, mitigate procrastination and foster a sense of community.
Moreover, a structured yet compassionate approach towards deadlines, a clear channel for queries and concerns, and a repository of additional resources for those keen on delving deeper into the topics, will be integral components of the course design.
In essence, the meticulous orchestration of synchronous and asynchronous elements, underpinned by clear guidelines, empathetic understanding, and a well-organized LMS, aims to concoct a conducive, engaging, and inclusive learning environment. This blended model aspires to harness the strengths and mitigate the challenges inherent in both learning modalities, striving for a harmonious educational symphony resonating with the diverse learning tunes of the digital learners.
The undercurrent of this blended approach is the ethos of continuous reflection and adaptation, to remain attuned to the feedback, experiences, and evolving needs of the students, ensuring that the virtual learning voyage is not only intellectually stimulating but also emotionally supportive and logistically accessible.
I learned that no matter what method you are using to deliver information to students, communication and organization is imperative for them to understand what is expected and how to complete the steps as they are assigned.
I have learned that guidelines are essential for asynchronous or synchronous learning.
It appears as though in an online setting, a synchronous method would be the most advantageous way to go, although it may not always be the most convenient, it even possible at all.
This section really highlights the importance of selecting which aspects of an online course are best delivered asynchronously vs synchronously, and explained that it is possible to effectively incorporate both methods in a given class to get the best results.
Consistent communication is very important in the online teaching environment. It is important to know the advantages and disadvantages of both synchronous and asynchronous teaching, and when to use each.
Learned the importance of providing feedback and discussion in an aysnchronous learning environment.
communication is very important with an online class using Synchronous or Asynchronous. Establish which type of classroom your is going to be and stick to it
Communication is key. Synchronous or asynchronous learning is essential to the learning process.
I teach a hybrid course. I try to take time to answer any questions during the virtual classroom period. I also make myself available by email or by a specific teams meeting to help with the asynchronous part of the course. I try to teach in a Socratic method that develops the students engagement in class and sets a tone for the discussion boards quizzes and assignments,
Most of my students prefer asynchronous learning. That's okay, but it means they tend to do all of their work at once, usually late in the term. They don't want to edit or revise what they've written, and they frequently ask questions about topics that I go over in class, and that are in the assignment instructions.
I prefer synchronous learning, but it's almost impossible to get some students to participate.
Guidelines for communication, assignment submission, etc., help the instructor and students understand the constraints, control, or freedom the instructor and students have in the course.
I like synchronous learning for in person courses and asynchronous learning for online courses.
