Aspects of Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning

The advantages and disadvantages of each type of learning

One of the major advantages to anyone who uses asynchronous tools in adult learning environment is that it allows the users to be able to access the course and its materials freely without the constraints of time and location. It allows for the user to be able to communicate with those of different cultures, languages, and those that live in another country. It is very versatile in its ability to reach out beyond the traditional classroom setting and gives the student more time to be able to research and answer a question, get more feedback from their peers, and be more efficient in doing the work. The most major advantage of this environment is that it allows for a record of everything and every interaction that goes on within itself. This gives the student an accurate count and report of the work they have done and allows for very few mistakes in the grading process. The only disadvantage to the asynchronous learning environment is that it can be quite costly, not only to the facilitators but the students. There must also be a very secure and strong network infrastructure that allows for the rapid share of information and has a strong protection against viruses and other hacking programs that can cause the tool to shut down.

           

A synchronous learning environment is just like a traditional classroom setting. It allows for face-to-face real time instruction and interaction with a teacher and students that are physically at the same place at the same time learning the material. The synchronous learning environment has its advantages in that it has a quicker response time for questions and answers since there are physically there to be able to ask a question.  There is also the fact that a synchronous learning environment allows for clear visuals and usually has rapid lectures that go into detail. It also allows for a more personal interaction with the student and the teacher. The downside to the synchronous learning tool is that most students feel shame if they were to ask a question out loud where they are the center of attention. There is also the drawback that there is only the teachers record to go off of in case some work comes up missing or incomplete.

Differences in facilitation strategies

Asynchronous learning is based mostly off of interaction between parties through the internet or some sort of virtual classroom setting. This allows for students all over the world to be able to check in at a class at their convenience instead of a set scheduled time. This allows for the students, who are mostly adults, to be able to attend class, access its materials, have interaction with their peers, and ask questions without the fear of being ridiculed since they are online. The asynchronous facility focuses more on the individual and their needs than as a class as a whole since it is far more convenient.

           

While on the other hand the synchronous facility strategy focuses more on class attendance, participation in real life time. The instructor also makes the student feel welcomed so he or she is encouraged to participate.  It is often used in traditional classroom settings. Most teachers use the same lecturing and quizzing strategy to assess the student’s progress in a classroom setting. They often ask questions during a lecture and call on students to answer as well. This synchronous way is the most commonly used method and strategy.

Differences between the facilitators and the learners in each type of learning

When using the asynchronous and synchronous learning tools and strategies there are some similarities and there are also some differences.  In asynchronous learning, students with busy work schedules, taking care of family responsibilities, and having children will choose this type of learning due to it will allow them to participate in class and answer discussion questions at their convenience due to their busy life.  This learning type will fit better with their overall educational goals.  The instructor will start the class with the discussions but the class will not be teacher centered but student centered with their interaction with each other and the students will be actively involved.  The instructor will make sure that the students respect each other and will be ready to jump in any and redirect any conversation as needed.

In synchronous learning it is more structured which helps some students to stay focus and attend class at a specific time and date with his or her classmates.  This will help some students committed to attending class and completing their degree while being committed.  The instructor will also welcome the students and encourage them to be consistent and present for every class.  The students do not have the option to come and go during their class, they will need to be present for class and stay until the class has ended by their instructor.  There are some students who don’t prefer on-line classes but have to attend one of those class types.  This learning type is one of the closes on-line classes to face to face classes.  The structure provided by the instructor will help the students attend their class.