The eLearning Guild Getting Started series of reports will help you understand the concepts common to e-Learning design, development, and delivery. We base each report on eLearning Guild member data and the experience and insights of many people and organizations including this report’s author. Guild members with more experience have learned important lessons along the way that will be helpful to you as you get started. Each report will help you make sense of the options and evaluate both your and your organization’s needs.

Synchronous Learning (which happens “live” during a specific time) uses a variety of technologies, such as chat, instant messaging, audio conference calls, and virtual classroom sessions. But the virtual classroom experience is what most people mean when they talk about synchronous e-Learning. Although synchronous e-Learning isn’t as flexible as asynchronous e-Learning, if well-designed, it can be more compelling to learners for a variety of reasons.

This report explains why synchronous e-Learning, if well-designed, can be more compelling to learners, and describes the differences between synchronous and asynchronous approaches to e-Learning that you should consider when deciding which approach to use (or determining how to combine these approaches).

Learn about virtual classroom applications and Guild members’ usage of these tools, including which ones they use most, and which are easiest to learn and adopt. Gain the skills needed to design and implement successful virtual classroom sessions and valuable tips on getting started with synchronous e-Learning. This report is essential for any organization producing e-Learning.

Resources