Online learning is opening ways of learning in many ways. Learners are opting for e-learning at a fast pace. The reason for this is that it is accessible, and involves low cost. Moreover, it provides flexibility to the learners. But learning in traditional ways is effective as well. Traditional learning encourages social interaction. So it is difficult to outline one best style from asynchronous, and synchronous learning. Depending upon the learning goal, learners can enjoy both learning styles. Each learning style has its benefits and drawbacks as well. But is Asynchronous learning better than the Synchronous learning style? We will define each learning style one by one, and compare it too. And through comparison, we will explore the answer to this question as well.
Asynchronous Learning
In this learning style, students and teachers do not interact in “real-time” with each other. In this style, students and teachers interact at a low rate in general.The learner can access learning material on their own. This learning style offers a student to access learning within their own time and pace. The common form of asynchronous learning is e-learning. Other examples include discussion boards, and video lectures. The learner can contact the instructor through email (indirect) means as well.
Prevailing Benefits of Asynchronous Learning
The prevailing benefits of synchronous learning are given by researchers of a dissertation writing service as follows;
- Learners can learn within their convenience of time.
- It provides the flexibility of schedules.
- It has an individual dictated pace.
- Instructors can deliver lectures within their comfort.
- Instructors and learners spend less time in structured classrooms.
- No repetition of work as in physical online classes.
- It is accessible for students at any time of an hour.
- It is more of a democratic style of learning.
- Students have enough time to grasp the study material.
- Learning takes place at different times.
- It is cost-effective for both learners, and students as well.
Drawbacks of Asynchronous Learning
There are some drawbacks of asynchronous earning for both the students, and instructors. These drawbacks are as follows;
- Students have to face challenges with procrastination.
- It lacks teamwork, and a social environment for students.
- It presents difficulties for students to grasp learning material from recordings.
- Sometimes external distractions affect the learning of students.
- It requires high self-motivation by the student in learning.
Synchronous Learning
Learning in which students and teachers interact in “real-time” is called synchronous learning. In this learning, students and teachers interact at a high rate with each other. It is a traditional way of learning. It is also a well-arranged type of learning for students. Learners can get learning during class and conferences.The common form of synchronous learning is found in schools, and universities’ learning. This learning style uses virtual learning as well. Common examples of virtual learning are videoconferences, and live webinars.
Benefits of Synchronous Learning
The common benefits of synchronous learning are as follows;
- Students exhibit greater engagement in this learning style.
- Students can get immediate responses from course instructors.
- There are dynamic learning opportunities for students in this learning style.
- There is direct communication between the instructor, and teacher in this learning style.
- Instructors and learners spend high time in structured classrooms.
- Learning is well-structured, and arranged for students.
- It provides a social environment of learning for both students.
- Learning takes place within the same time as lecture delivery.
- Learner gets motivated from learning in a social environment.
Drawbacks of Synchronous Learning
There are some drawbacks of synchronous earning for both students and instructors. These drawbacks are as follows;
- Instructors have to set schedules for classes.
- In the virtual learning style, it requires a strong internet connection. It requires a webcam, and speaker as well.
- Students don’t have enough time to grasp the study material.
- Learners cannot learn within the convenience of time.
- It does not provide the flexibility of schedules.
- It is not an individual dictated pace.
- Instructors cannot deliver lectures within their comfort.
Is Asynchronous Learning Better Than Synchronous Learning?
So is Asynchronous Learning Better Than Synchronous Learning? We believe that a blend of these learning styles is the best for learners. Asynchronous learning empowers students to learn within their own paces and time. The student can access at any time of hour the lectures. It is cost-effective with ease of access, and less cost. Moreover, it provides enough time for the learner to grasp the study material. Yet, it does not encourage social interaction between learners and instructors. But synchronous learning enhances social interaction in the learners. It ensures direct communication between the learners and instructors. Moreover, it provides immediate feedback to the learners on their queries. Yet it does not provide flexibility to the instructors and students.
Students don’t have enough time to grasp learning in this style. The blend of learning styles will overcome gaps in all types of studies. Students will also learn in a thorough manner by using their blend. One style will provide flexibility, whereas the other will provide social interaction. Hence, course instructors should use a blend of these two learning styles.
Final Thoughts
As we move into the remote learning phase, learning autonomy becomes a necessity. The course instructors have prime responsibility in this domain for designing courses. They should be aware of the unique needs of learning for students. Learning becomes effective if instructors design it according to the needs of students. The blend of asynchronous and synchronous learning is an hour of need. Hence, we recommend that instructors blend these learning styles for better delivery of the learning aspect.