Online Asynchronous Learning: A Flexible Way To Quickly Upskill

What is synchronous learning?

Synchronous learning is any platform that allows the learners to learn the same thing simultaneously. Both in-person and online opportunities are available. So, there are two types of Synchronous learning. One is in the offline mode, and the other is in an online way. The offline mode includes traditional classroom teachings. Interactions through Zoom calls, Skype calls, gmeets, video conferencing in Microsoft teams, and even instant chatting in WhatsApp texts, though an unofficial mode, are a few examples of online synchronous learning. In Synchronous learning, learners and instructors are engaged in course content at the same time. Hence, it needs both of them to present at the same time. This engagement allows for easy give-and-take discussion and a learning environment that can be highly social. Nevertheless, synchronous delivery can have some downsides as well. The synchronous materials are not saved for subsequent review, and not all learners can commit to a set learning plan. Here comes the need for a different type of student-friendly learning environment where learners can flourish their learning.

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What is asynchronous learning?

Asynchronous learning is the opposite of what synchronous learning is. In the asynchronous learning method, instructors generate online content in advance, and learners engage with it as per their schedules. In the Asynchronous learning method, learning does not happen in the same place or in real-time. Instead of going online for an interactive session, the learners tend to complete the training independently in their flexible time. It supports an individualized learning environment. Enrolled learners can access their eLearning courses from different places at different times. This makes asynchronous online learning an independent instructor program. It is a learner-centred teaching method that uses online resources to facilitate learning.

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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 employees during their work can enrol 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 company’s total productivity while assisting trainees in becoming highly trained workers. With the help of asynchronous learning tools, companies can train their employees better, faster, and more efficiently than traditional training methods.

But how will asynchronous requirements be scheduled so learners still have structure? Here the instructor must take on multiple new roles. The constructivist theory that supports asynchronous 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. Hence using the development of Technology in the Asynchronous mode of learning, learners can now not only passively learn but also actively participate in the online learning process. This improves the learners’ engagement in the whole process. It requires learners to be actively involved and take more responsibility for their learning. Therefore, there is a need for a lot of learners’ self-discipline in the asynchronous learning process. And with the growth in Technology in the modern world, one can agree that asynchronous learning better caters to the lives of modern learners to democratize learning in a big way.

Asynchronous communication tools

• Email
• Websites
• Blogs/ Weblogs
• Wikipedia
• Podcasts
• Facebook
• YouTube Videos
• Twitter
• LinkedIn Learning
• Discussion Forums
• Courses on platforms such as Udemy, Unacademy, Skillshare, Shaw Academy, etc.
• eLearning courses on Learning Management Systems

Advantages of asynchronous online learning

• Schedule flexibility. With the Asynchronous learning method, learners can undertake courses on their schedule instead of regular in-person contact with a facilitator. This makes the learning process more individualized and instructor independent.
• 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.
• Chance to review and recall. Learners can repeat past lectures they need to brush up on at any time, which is not possible with synchronous learning methods. This is a massive advantage on the part of the learners. This gives learners the opportunity to remember and relearn the materials at their convenience.
• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to continue in profession/life responsibilities. With the convenience and flexibility offered by asynchronous learning, learners find it easy to maintain their work/life balance.
• Evolving in nature. Asynchronous learning is ever-evolving. It is becoming less expensive and more accessible and is customizable to meet the needs of any business. This means employers can make this powerful training accessible to employees across their company, resulting in more people learning and qualifying for promotions.
• Avoids Commuting. The classes are available at any time and in any place. And because they don’t have to travel between locations to learn, learners can save a lot of time and money.

Disadvantages of asynchronous online learning

• Lack of motivation. The lack of personal one-on-one engagement with trained and qualified instructors throughout the classes could contribute to some learners’ lack of enthusiasm. Therefore, Asynchronous learning requires self-discipline on the part of learners.
• Disadvantages of self-paced format. Not all instructions are suited for self-paced learning. So, it might become a bit difficult for a few learners to comprehend the course entirely on their own.
• Lack of immediate response. This method of learning might not provide immediate feedback in some modes of asynchronous learning, such as passive learning from YouTube videos.

Infographics

Online Asynchronous Learning

Conclusion

To sum up the entire discussion, one can definitely say that with the help of growing technologies, this self-paced mode of Asynchronous learning method is going to be the way we use technology in our individual lives and in the future of learning. Using technology, employees 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 learning more desirable to modern learners in a busy, fast-paced world. Therefore, the ideal strategy is to choose portions of both to get the most out of it when the appropriate tools, technology, and resources are in place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does online asynchronous mean?

Online asynchronous is a form of online learning method where learners, instead of skilled instructors, learn from pre-recorded video-based learning techniques.

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.

Is Microsoft Teams synchronous or asynchronous?

Microsoft Teams 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.

Is Google Meet synchronous or asynchronous?

Google Meet 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.

Is live chat synchronous?

Any form of live chatting is synchronous as there is a form of interaction between people in real-time.