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PolskiUNIT 2: Synchronous and asynchronous digital tools
2.2.1 What are synchronous and asynchronous learning
Synchronous learning happens in the same environment on a fixed schedule. This can mean taking classes in a traditional classroom environment, though the term itself is usually used to refer to online classes. The main aspect of synchronous learning is learning at the same time. This means that a group of students is all learning about something at the same time and being able to interact with the teacher.
Synchronous online learning is usually supported by media such as video conferencing and chat, popular platforms include Zoom meeting and Google meet, both of which are widely chosen by schools. Students and teachers are more likely to prefer this approach, because it is more social. In synchronous learning, students can ask and answer questions in real time so that they are not frustrated by having to wait or not understanding. Synchronous learning can help students feel less isolated and more involved with their peers, as they can communicate in real time and continuously. Therefore they become aware of themselves as members of the learning community rather than as isolated individuals interacting with apps.
With asynchronous learning there is no real-time interaction between the teacher and the students. Students can choose to learn at times that differ from other students, without immediate feedback from the teacher. Students don’t have to be in the same classroom nor in the same timezone to take part in a class. The teacher provides students with learning units which the students try to understand as their schedules permit. Each unit might use assigned readings or uploaded media, online quizzes, discussion boards, and more.
Asynchronous learning is usually facilitated by media such as forums, e-mail, PPT, PDF, video, audio, Active link, TedEd or using learning platforms such as Google Classroom, Edmondo, Schoology, Canvas, Moodle, etc. Even though they cannot be online at the same time, students and teachers can interact in a flexible manner, students can spend more time helping each other more than in synchronous communication.
In this type of learning, students get a highly active learning experience. Methods that can be applied in asynchronous learning are project-based learning, assignments, independent experiments, discovery learning, flexible learning. However, students can sometimes feel frustrated because they feel alone in learning as they also need social interaction.
2.2.2 Pros and cons of synchronous and asynchronous learning
Advantages of synchronous learning
- Students can ask questions and get answers in real-time
- The instructor can adapt to how students react to the presented content in real-time, and adjust the lesson
- Students feel an increased sense of the involvement of the instructor
- Instructors can facilitate workshop-style classes and run breakout group activities
- Live chats for real-time interaction, like a conversation.
- Synchronous sessions provide a schedule to help students who struggle with starting a task
Disadvantages of synchronous learning
- Some students might not be able to participate at the required time due to technical or scheduling problems
- Some students might not have the technical equipment to actively participate in an online meeting (for example graphic tablets)
Advantages of asynchronous learning
- Recorded lessons allow students time to digest the session content and do their own before posing questions in a discussion group
- Students can access the course content, and correspond with the instructor and their peers, when they have time
- Students can re-watch recorded lessons to enhance their learning, or to review content prior to a final exam.
- More democratic: during a live session, only a small number of students will be able to ask questions;
- Allows students to learn even in emergencies, such as illnesses or family problems
- Teachers can choose when to create their lessons and reuse materials another time
- Asynchronous educational tools come with student benefits like automatic grading, which gives instant feedback to students
Disadvantages of asynchronous learning
- Students might feel less connected to a teacher when they are watching a recorded material
- Students might feel less connected to the course when they do not interact with their peers
- Students might postpone starting studying
- Asynchronous learning requires a higher level of involvement, commitment and independent learning skills.
In search of meaningful online learning experiences, hybrid online learning can effectively create useful learning experiences. Students must be actively involved in the learning process and asked to provide feedback. Synchronous and asynchronous online learning each have their role, depending on what an instructor is trying to do. For instance, a live presentation allows students to ask questions while the presentation is in progress; a previously prepared lesson allows students time to take in and reflect before asking their questions.
2.2.3 Practical Activity: Create your own synchronous and asynchronous tools
- Create a live video call using Zoom, Google Meet, Teams and discover the capabilities of each app. Students can raise a virtual hand, use the group chat or reach out to the teacher individually, often draw on the shared screen, and more.
- Use breakout rooms in a video call to allow students to work in study groups. This activity encourages every student to participate instead of just the ones that ask questions or those you appoint to answer.
- Think of 3 group projects your students can work on when they are in an online meeting.
- Record a 5 minute video explaining a topic of your choosing using recording apps such as Vmaker and Veed (free webcam and screen recorders). You can also use Movavi for creating and editing your educational videos.
- Create a pdf document of a lesson containing theory, examples and assignments for students to study asynchronously.
- Create a digital practice test/quiz on a platform such as Google Classroom or Moodle to allow students to view their current level of understanding a lesson.
2.2.4 Glossary
Synchronous learning – the same environment on a fixed schedule, usually online
Asynchronous learning – no real-time interaction between the teacher and the students. Students can choose to learn at times that differ from other students, without immediate feedback from the teacher.