Daniel Contreras, Latonney Gregory,
Penny Hardin and Stephanie Shaw
AET/531
March 11, 2012
Professor Melinda Medina
Synchronous learning, which means at the same time
requires interacting with an instructor through the
internet in real-time.
Synchronous means that an instructor is present when
the course is delivered, even though the course might
be delivered remotely over the Internet.
(Richard, 2009).
Asynchronous, which means, "not at the same time,"
allows the learners to complete the web based training
on his own time and schedule, without live interaction
with the instructor.
Asynchronous type classes are completely the opposite of
synchronous classes which means that the instructor does
not need to be present, therefore allowing learners to
learn anytime, at their convenience.
(Richard, 2009).
Pros:
• Immediate Feedback
• Sense of community
• Continual motivation
• Teacher-centered (direct learning)
• Learning can be facilitated virtually in real-time
• World wide access
• Communication is immediate
• Social support and increases motivation
amongst learners,
• Increases personal participation
Cons:
• Technology
• Scheduling Limited Reflection Time
• Lacks flexibility; limited response time and
scheduled meeting times
Pros:
• Flexible
• Convenient
• Time to process info and formulate responses
• Learner-centered (Indirect Learning)
• Peer interaction
• Complete flexibility class schedule
• Facilitated and self-paced
• less social learning environment
• increases the learners ability to process
information (cognitive participation)
Cons:
• Slow feedback
• Lack of sense of community
• Requires self-motivation
• Interaction is limited to written communication
• Only one type of media, text
Audio
Teleconference
Video
Conferencing
Broadcasting
Slideshow
Presentation
Webcast
Chat
Podcast
Multimedia
Phone Call
(Landor-Ngemi, 2007)
Blackboard
Blogging
Email
Message
Boards
Online
Bulletin
Boards
Threaded
Discussions
Web-Based
(Landor-Ngemi, 2007)
• Discussion board
(group/individual)
• Lecture
• Audio books (reading
aloud)
• Podcast & Webcast
Multimedia
• Live Meeting - Oral
Peer Review (critiquing)
Kinesthetic Aids
Audio Aids
Visual Aids
• Computer
(Internet/Online)
• Podcast/Webcast
Multimedia Videos
• Power Point
Presentation (online) or
Overhead
• Live Meeting
(Demonstration)
• Smart
Board/Whiteboard
• Handouts
• Text & eBooks
• Concept Mapping
(Graphs
• Interactive Activities
• Hands-On Methods
• Projects (field
exercises)
• Electronic Portfolios
• Lectures About How-To
Guides
• Interviews (field
experiences)
• Exploratory Research
Lab report
• Scenarios and
Simulations (software)
• Action-Adventure
Stories (Individual &
Group Discussions)
• Physical Group
Activities (Field Trips)
Synchronous
Asynchronous
Learners Can Follow
Along With
Presentation
Provide Calendar Or
Timeline
Voice Inflection
Learner Collaboration
For Discussions
Record
Teleconferences
Open-ended Questions
By Facilitator
Synchronous
Asynchronous
• Direct Learning (Teacher centered instruction)
• Instructor Led instruction
• Keep learners engaged
• Indirect Learning (Student centered instruction)
• Track learner participation
Synchronous
Schedule time to
attend class
Stay actively engaged
and avoid distractions
Real-time interaction
Asynchronous
Set own schedule
Maintain selfmotivation
Questions can be
asked at any time
Synchronous
Asynchronous
Pro’s
• Immediate Feedback
• Sense of community
• Continual motivation
•Flexible
•Convenient
•Time to process info and formulate
responses
Con’s
• Technology
• Schedule
• Limited Reflection Time
•
•
•
•
Strategies
• Learners can follow along with presentation
• Voice inflection
• Record teleconferences
• Provide calendar or timeline
• Learner collaboration for discussions
• Open-ended questions by facilitator
Facilitators
• Instructor Led instruction
• Keep learners engaged
• Student centered instruction
• Track learner participation
Learners
• Schedule time to attend class
• Stay actively engaged and avoid distractions
• Real-time interaction
• Set own schedule
• Maintain self-motivation
• Questions can be asked at any time
Slow feedback
Lack of sense of community
Requires self-motivation
Interaction is limited to written
communication
Ashley, J., (2003). Synchronous and asynchronous communication tools. Executive Update Online. Retrieved
from www.asaecenter.org/Resources/articledetail.cfm?ItemNumber=13572
Finkelstein, J. (2006). Learning in real time: Synchronous teaching and learning online. San Francisco, CA: JosseyBass. Retrieved from https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/content/eBookLibrary2/content/ eReader.aspx?
assetMetaId=47c81011-9927-4b85-8999- f05d62d60173&assetDataId=1d315fd7-62c7-4706-b7d00a1486e2aa90&assetpdfdataid=b747bbe4-89e3-4838-b985- eae01874a8d8
Kelly, M., (2011). About.com. Learning Styles: Understanding and Using Learning Styles. Retrieved March 5,
2011. from http://712educators.about.com/od/learningstyles/a/learning_styles.htm
Landor-Ngemi, J., (2007).What Is The Difference Between Synchronous And Asynchronous Learning? Name
some different forms. Retrieved March 6, 2012. from, http://jarrettlandor.blogspot.com/2007/10/what-isdifference-between-synchronous.html
Richard, L.,.(2009).eLearning in Ottaw: Difference Between Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning. Retrieved
March 6, 2012. from, http://elearning-ottawa.org/2009/08/11/difference-between-asynchronous-andsynchronous-learning.aspx