Synchronous and Asynchronous Strategies

Content-related communication

Communication that is used to ask or answer content-related questions, share information, or express thoughts and ideas.

Social support communication

Communication that is used to express companionship, emotional support, provide support when problems arise, or talk about things other than classwork.

Planning of tasks communication

Communication that is used to plan work, allocate tasks, coordinate joint efforts, review drafts, or negotiate and resolve conflicts.

E-learning

Learning and teaching online through network technologies.

Synchronous learning

Online learning techniques in which learners and/or the instructor are all online and in the same virtual space at the same time.

Asynchronous learning

Online learning techniques in which learners and/or the instructor are not in the same place or working at the same time.

Learner-interface interaction

Student interaction with technologies

Learner-learner interaction

Student interaction with their peers

Example of asynchronous E-learning

Students are expected to share reflections regarding course topics and critically assess their peers' ideas are asked to participate in online discussions on a discussion board

Reason to use synchronous E-learning

Students become more committed and motivated because a quick response is expected

Reason to use asynchronous E-learning

Students have more time to reflect because the sender does not expect an immediate answer

Example of synchronous E-learning

Students who are expected to work in groups may be advised to use instant messaging as support for getting to know each other, exchanging ideas, and planning tasks.

Learner-instruction interaction

The instructor seeks to stimulate, or at least maintain, student interest in what is to be taught and to motivate the student to learn

Learner-content interaction

The process of intellectually interacting with the content, which changes the understanding, perspectives, and cognitive structures of a learner's mind

When to use synchronous E-Learning

discussing less complex issues, getting acquainted, planning tasks

Technologies associated with asynchronous E-learning

e-mail, discussion boards, blogs

When to use asynchronous E-learning

reflecting on complex issues; when synchronous meetings cannot be scheduled due to other commitments

Technologies associated with synchronous E-learning

videoconferencing, instant messaging, chat