Comparing Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning

When a company decides to embark on an eLearning project,there are many decisions to make. One of these decisions is about making thechoice between synchronous and asynchronous learning. In synchronous learning, theinstructor and the students are present at the same time and place (whether a physicallocation or virtual). Asynchronous learning is independent learning, and studentscan proceed at any time and at their own pace, whether the instructor and theother students are present or not. What are the advantages and disadvantages ofeach of these approaches?

Synchronous learning

Synchronous learning often employs classroomstyle elements, such as group discussions, team activities, and other elementsthat an instructor supervises. The learning blocks are completed on a schedule,like a regular classroom, and there is plenty of interaction between thestudents and the instructor. Synchronous learning can take place either in aclassroom setting, in an online chat room, a video conference, or using a web-conferencingapplication, and there is near constant interaction between those inattendance.

Main advantages of synchronouslearning

• Instructorsinteract with multiple students in real-time, making group activities possible
• Instructors canexplain certain concepts when students are struggling
• Students can getimmediate answers about any aspect of the learning process

Main disadvantages of synchronouslearning:

• Both the student and the instructor have to adhere totime schedules
• Much of the training depends on the quality of theinstructor
• Students may not receive individual attention if otherstudents are also in need
• The learning pace is set by the instructor, not thestudents

Asynchronous learning

Asynchronous learning is a stand-alone approach,designed specifically for self-study. Students will gain knowledge frominteracting with, reading, watching, and listening to different types of content.In most cases, the students are free to complete the coursework at their ownpace, and are free to take tests at any time as well. Asynchronous is a greatmethod for students who are juggling training as well as their normal workloadand personal life.

Main advantages

• Learners can study at any time and any pace, accordingto their own needs
• Students have the ability to go back to pieces theyneed to brush up on
• Thereis the opportunity to review outside resources to aid instruction

Main disadvantages

• Limited access to an instructor and/or getting answersin real time
• Some students may struggle without constant guidanceand interaction
• Not all instruction is best suited for self-pacedlearning

Choosing between synchronous and asynchronouslearning

While synchronous and asynchronous learning each have theiradvantages and drawbacks, the best approach for a given design project is basedon multiple factors. Here are three:

• The students and their learning needs
• The type of content
• The time availability of your learners

For example:

• If you are training a group that consists of individualswho have significant professional experience, who require lots of interactionand “talk time,” and who prefer being around and working with their colleaguesyou may find a synchronous approach to work best, given a comparativefamiliarity with eLearning.
• The nature of the content is vital in determiningthe style of learning. Should your content be filled with complex ideas andtechnical terms that require much explaining or situational context, you mayfind asynchronous is not the right approach.
• When content is easy to digest or in reflectionof a complex issue, asynchronous could be the right move.
• Finally, the availability of your learners aswell as their access to the Internet are important in making a decision on yourapproach. If your audience is juggling training, work, and extra schooling theymay not have the time to devote to completing training in one sitting. This iswhere asynchronous training really shines—freedom to complete at one’s ownpace.

Both synchronous and asynchronous approaches to eLearning havetheir advantages and disadvantages. While one approach may be more effectivethan the other in a given situation, it is not to say it is best for alllearning situations.

Think about eachapproach, and how your content and audience fit, to ensure you reach yourlearning objectives.