Synchronous learning, which means at the same time involves interacting with an instructor through the internet in realtime. Asynchronous, which means "not at the same time," allows the student to complete the web based training on his own time and schedule, without live interaction with the instructor.
Although not as common as asynchronous learning synchronous learning is being used is more university currilas. Horizon Wimba a form of synchrous learning where a professor can hold a virtual classroom in realtime with students all over the world. Typically this type of training involves the instructor "broadcasting" audio out to the students through either a teleconference phone call, or through web-based audio. The instructor typically "drives" a slideshow presentation, which the students watch while connected to a conference web site. Students can ask questions or provide comments through the phone line, or through a chat window. Synchronous training is most popular in academic type programs, such as continuing education programs or college distance learning programs.
Asynchronous e-learning is more common because it creates a just-in-time, on-demand student learning experience. Unlike synchronous training, students do not need to schedule their time around the predetermined plan of the instructor. There is complete flexibility with asynchronous training, which comes in two forms, facilitated and self-paced. An example of asynchronous learning is message boards, blogging, blackboard, threaded discussion.
Facilitated asynchronous training involves an instructor and group of students, but the interaction is not in real time. The instructor will post assignments on a Web page, which typically includes online reading or research conducted on various Web sites. Students communicate with each other through threaded discussions (also known as online bulletin boards), and submit their homework to the instructor via e-mail. An advantage of this type of training is that students have a lot of peer interaction, and can receive personalized attention and guidance from the human facilitator. The disadvantage of this form of WBT is that it tends to involve only one type of media, text.
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2 comments:
Nice job, Jarrett. I personally prefer asynchronous learning mechanisms. The flexibility for the working person is hugely advantageous for pursuing educational and career goals.
I, too, prefer asynchornous learning as well. You do not have to juggle the hassles of life around a busy work and school schedule. Sometimes I do not feel like doing school work the same time every week, and the flexibility of being able to do this class at different times every week is a real stress reliever. We have a week to do the assignments and can turn them in early. It's a real luxury.
Chris
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