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