Asynchronous Class: Changing the Reality

What is an asynchronous class?

The word “asynchronous” means not at the same time. Unlike traditional classroom teaching, the asynchronous learning process makes knowledge affordable for everyone from everywhere. In an asynchronous class, the learners and instructors do not meet and interact simultaneously. Instead, the instructors generate online content in advance, and learners engage with it as per their schedules. Lessons are taught in a consistent manner using standard training. It makes sure that every learner receives the same quantity of knowledge.

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Why is asynchronous learning becoming popular?

Asynchronous learning is an excellent choice for learners who are self-disciplined and comfortable with college-level learning and also for employees who want to upskill by learning concepts and skills that are complex and technical. Therefore, not only learners but also employees during their work can enroll in an asynchronous learning program to increase knowledge in specific fields that they might lack. Learners doing asynchronous activities, such as reading articles and interacting with content posted in an LMS, can quickly upskill themselves. These activities may sound passive, but they can be active components of learning with doable activities, such as engaging in case studies, participating in team activities, games, or simulations. These activities transform their previously gained information into skills they use in their work. This increases the total productivity of the organizations while assisting trainees in becoming highly trained workers. With the help of asynchronous learning tools, organizations can train their employees better, faster, and more efficiently than traditional training methods.

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Asynchronous communication tools

In order to conduct an asynchronous class, there are few tools required. These tools are as follows:

1. Email
2. Websites
3. Blogs/ Weblogs
4. Wikipedia
5. Podcasts
6. Facebook
7. Video streaming services, such as YouTube
8. Twitter
9. LinkedIn Learning
10. Discussion Forums
11. Courses on platforms (Coursera, Udemy, Unacademy, Skillshare, Shaw Academy, etc.)
12. Microlearning
13. e-learning courses on Learning Management Systems

Advantages of online asynchronous classes

An asynchronous class has the following advantages:

1. Flexibility: The learners can always study whenever and wherever they want to. An asynchronous classroom can allow learners to use unique tools, expertise, and course content that would otherwise not be available. It makes it easier for learners who struggle in the classroom due to physical limitations or learning difficulties to engage in school.
2. Pace flexibility: The asynchronous nature of the learning helps Learners undertake the courses at their own pace, according to their own needs. This gives the learners freedom in their choices.
3. Chance to review and recall: Learners can repeat past lectures they need to brush up on at any time, which is impossible with synchronous learning methods. This is a massive advantage on the part of the learners. This allows learners to remember and relearn the materials at their convenience.
4. An abundance of material: There is an opportunity to review outside resources to aid instruction. One can explore the extensive internet resources of a variety of programs and courses online, and thanks to schedule flexibility and the breaking down of classroom walls, one can use them in their career advancement by improving technical skills.
5. Individual-oriented: The asynchronous learning method might not offer a setting that fosters social skills development. But learners who find it uncomfortable to participate in online interactions or debates, and don’t like to socialize, can be comfortable with learning alone on their own. By providing individualized programs, asynchronous learning gives a safe environment to them.
6. Ability to continue in profession/life responsibilities: With the convenience and flexibility offered by asynchronous classes, learners find it easy to maintain their work/life balance.
7. Efficiency: Asynchronous class enables instructors to use different tools such as online videos, PDFs, and podcasts. Instructors can use these tools as part of their lessons. Learners can access the resources, be it notes, theories, diagrams, or PPTs, from anywhere and at any time of the day.
8. Accessible: Asynchronous class is evolving in nature. It’s becoming less expensive and more accessible as the days pass and is customizable to meet the needs of any organization. This allows employers to make this training structure easily accessible to employees across their organization, resulting in more people learning and qualifying for promotions.
9. Cost-effective: With no transportation costs and resources available online, asynchronous classes are a more cost-effective solution than the traditional learning technique.
10. Higher retention: Using digital resources, including presentations and multimedia that includes images, videos, and audio, learners get to learn more than any traditional learning method.
11. Avoids commuting: Learners do not have to worry about transportation with asynchronous learning. The learnings are available at any time and in any place. Therefore, they save much time and money on online learning during the commute.

Disadvantages of online asynchronous classes

This type of learning can have some downsides as well.

1. Lack of motivation: The lack of personal one-on-one engagement with trained and qualified instructors throughout the classes might contribute to some learners’ lack of enthusiasm. Therefore, asynchronous learning requires self-discipline on the part of learners.
2. Disadvantages of self-paced format: Not all instructions are suited for self-paced learning. So, it might become difficult for a few learners to comprehend the course independently.
3. Lack of immediate response: This learning method might not provide immediate feedback in some modes of asynchronous learning, such as passive learning from YouTube videos. But some platforms offer learners instant feedback that helps them evaluate their growth and motivates them. The feedback is provided by their fellow online learners or the platform itself. Tests conducted through online quizzes or some pre-designed software provide the learners with immediate response or feedback.

Tips to keep learners involved in an asynchronous environment

It requires learners to be actively involved and take more responsibility for learning in an asynchronous class. Therefore, there is a necessity for a few special requirements for an asynchronous course.

1. Different responsibilities: The instructor must take on multiple new roles. The constructivist theory that supports asynchronous class learning demands that instructors become more than dispensers of knowledge; it requires that they become instructional designers, facilitators, and assessors of both grades and their teaching methods.
2. New tools: Asynchronous classes are tool-based. Therefore, allow learners time to acquire new tools in low-stakes activities. Giving them time to explore will build their confidence with the device and help them in future projects.
3. Add variety: Let learners choose from various mediums when presenting their understanding. To keep the learners interested, use movement exercises. Combine musical components into teaching to help the learners learn. Giving them options ensures their voices are a part of the learning process.
4. Break it up: Asynchronous class is not the same as synchronous classrooms. Therefore, instructors should not design classes in the same way. Breaking up the lesson into chunks and delivering short lessons allow learners to work independently or in digital groups for the rest of the time.
5. Make it interactive: In the absence of a live facilitator, the learners needed to remain interested throughout the course. To get learners to participate in classes, begin with a warm-up activity. Assign group tasks that require them to collaborate. Use online breakout rooms, collaborative whiteboards, and embedding games to allow learners to connect.
6. Take breaks: Break things up with creative exercises and activities. More than 45 minutes of screen time in one sitting can be hard on the eyes and mind. Let the learners take screen-free breaks to reset the mind and the body.

Infographics

Asynchronous Class

Conclusion

It is definite that with the help of growing technologies, this self-paced mode of asynchronous class can be the ultimate way of future learning. Using technology, learners and employees can upskill their knowledge as well as control their learning journey. However, there is also a need for a personal touch from a knowledgeable and experienced individual from time to time, which is now also available in the asynchronous learning method. The inclusion of personalization, however, makes asynchronous classes more desirable to modern learners in a busy, fast-paced world. Therefore, the ideal strategy is to choose the appropriate tools, technology, and resources to get the most impact from the learning journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does asynchronous mean?

The word “asynchronous” means not at the same time.

What is asynchronous class mean?

In an asynchronous class, the learners and instructors do not meet and interact in real-time. Instead, the instructors generate online content in advance, and learners engage with it as per their schedules.

What is the difference between online synchronous and asynchronous?

Online synchronous learning allows learners to have an interactive session with their facilitator while there are no instructors in the asynchronous learning methods. Therefore, Asynchronous learning allows for schedule flexibility, which synchronous online education does not provide for.

Is a zoom meeting synchronous or asynchronous?

Zoom meeting is a form of synchronous learning method as it happens in real-time. It brings the instructors and the learners together on an online platform.