The question is not
really “which” but “how” and perhaps even “when” do we use Synchronous or Asynchronous
E-Learning. It’s kind of like the relationship between the “text book” and the
“teacher” or the more colloquial “hand and glove.” But before we can tackle the subject of
“which” we need to determine “what” defines Synchronous or Asynchronous
E-Learning.
Asynchronous learning is a student-centered teaching
method that uses online learning resources to facilitate information sharing
outside the constraints of time and place among a network of people. This
approach combines self-study with asynchronous interactions to promote
learning, and this combined network of learners and the electronic network in
which they communicate is referred to as an asynchronous learning network.
Synchronous learning refers to a group of people
learning the same things at the same time in the same place. This is the type
of pedagogy practiced in most schools which emulate a face-to-face
environment and with the advent of web conferencing tools, people can learn at
the same time in different places as well. For example, use of instant
messaging or live chat, webinars and video conferencing allow for students and
teachers to collaborate and learn in real time.
Best practice
E-Learning may use one or both Synchronous and Asynchronous learning to generate effective comprehension. Which
method works best is defined by the nature of the content and the audience.
Some content is best
suited for Asynchronous E-Learning,
where more technical, regulatory or systematic knowledge needs to be imparted
and the leaner can learn at their own pace within a preferred environment. This can often take the form of mandated
learning such as workplace regulatory knowledge or compliance related
information. Asynchronous E-Learning
continues to utilize the broad spectrum of tools such as video, text, images,
interactivity and photos and can incorporate a social aspect as well through
forums, blogs, chat rooms, etc. Asynchronous E-Learning is a natural extension
of Synchronous E-Learning and while these two components of learning complement
each other they can be used independently of each other.
Synchronous E-Learning is often used when
on-site physical demonstrations are required or when the learner has to be
qualified as having gained the level of knowledge originally set out in the
learning objectives or a given curriculum. Synchronous E-Learning can
also be employed when the benefits of
social interaction such as in a classroom, workshop or webinar will benefit the
learning process.
Asynchronous E-Learning
is a part of that process; it breaks information down and makes it more easily
digestible as a stand-alone presentation, learn at your own pace, discrete segment of information that is required
learning; or for information that is used as a building block for much more
complex ideas and concepts. Asynchronous E-Learning is a natural extension of
Synchronous E-Learning and while these two components of learning complement
each other they can be used independently of each other.
Effective
E-Learning, whether Synchronous or Asynchronous, emulates good teaching style
and utilizes the attributes of the electronic medium and the best practices of
learning, utilizing sound preparation, illustrative anecdotes, humour, personal
experience and thought provoking insight to engage and inspire learners in an
anytime, anywhere format (that’s the Asynchronous part.)
Ultimately
E-Learning as a whole, whether Synchronous or Asynchronous allow for repeated
and consistent deployment of well thought out knowledge without the day-to-day participation
of an instructor. This adds significant cost savings, reduces teaching time,
improves comprehension and standardizes the information to insure consistent
delivery of knowledge. This does not mean that instructors are not used, it
simply means that the instructor or in
most circumstances, group of instructors develop the content and then deploy it
in a Synchronous E-Learning module that uses best practices teaching strategies
for developing the content.
Asynchronous
E-Learning uses the discrete building blocks of Synchronous E-learning to
emulate a classroom setting more closely and communicate complex ideas that allow
the learners to engage in a more Interactive dialogue with the instructor and
with other learners. This process combines best practices of teaching and
E-Learning because such presentations are repeated and greater care and support
is given to the dynamic of learning in the Asynchronous learning process. It is also expected that such curriculums,
once developed offer a longer life cycle when the content is revised annually.
It is my suggestion that Synchronous E-Learning will someday replace textbooks
entirely and will be updated by organizations whose sole responsibility it is
to maintain up to date information on learning topics, similar to text book
publishers today.
I think it’s safe to
say that E-Learning in any form is more than an amalgam of parameters, media
and instructional design, it’s a learning environment that reflects the
learning objectives, the nature of the content and the makeup of the audience.
