Micah has introduced to us synchronous e-learning. It is my task to briefly explain what is meant by asynchronous e-learning.
At the outset, I would like to make clear that, despite the seemingly dichotomous nature of this “debate”, I don’t think that synchronous and asynchronous e-learning are polar opposites as such. Rather, the terms describe differences in the mode of learning, not fundamental differences which make the two incompatible.
As Micah has pointed out, ‘Synchronous e-learning takes place in “real-time” and is therefore immediate’. Conversely, ‘Asynchronous learning occurs when the training is accessed at the learner’s convenience and can take place in different time frames and places.’ Much of the ICT use in education thus far has been asynchronous. For example, I wonder how many of us have used ‘self-paced computer-based learning via the Internet or from CDs and data streaming, audio/video, bulletin boards and e-mail’?
Many of us have experienced the benefits of asynchronous e-learning which, according to Etherington (2008), ‘lets students access prepackaged software on their own time, working at their own pace and communicating with a cyber-instructor or even other students through e-mail. In addition, asynchronous E-learning is reflected by school student’s use of the Web; practices which involve students connecting to and downloading information.’
Hrastinski (2008) suggests that asynchronous e-learning ‘increases a person’s ability to process information [because] the receiver has more time to comprehend a message because an immediate answer is not expected.’ This may well actually contribute to the development of - both a sense and real manifestation - a learning community, which contrasts with the implication in Micah's post that "community" is created with a synchronous approach.
While the benefits of flexibility will be immediately obvious to the reader/educator, I want to begin my exploration of asynchronous e-learning by considering some of the potential issues which might be of concern to the educator. My next post will focus more critically on the implicit values inherent in asynchronous e-learning.
Micah pointed in his first post that :
ReplyDeleteE-learning involves the use of a computer or electronic device in some way to provide training, educational or learning material (Derek Stockley 2003).
I believe that e-learning should be expanded to include the development of PLEs (personal learning environments).
I agree that we will see a mix of both assynchronous and synchronous methods of teaching and learning.