Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning - What’s the Difference?

Would you agree if someone stated that the only way to attain academic success is through the conventional method? Before answering the question, one would deliberate on the various attributes of the traditional education system; one would highlight the fact that the long-followed structure fostered the brightest minds and contributed to nation-building and prosperity.

However, it is crucial to understand that with time, education delivery methods have diversified, owing to the ever-evolving global education trends. So, naturally, failing to integrate new approaches like synchronous learning and e-learning proves detrimental to student learning. Also, it is noteworthy that most new and unique methodologies incorporate technological tools and solutions to achieve academic goals.

But what is synchronous learning, and how is it different from asynchronous learning? Let us find out.

What is Synchronous Learning?

The word ‘’synchronous’’ relates to synchronicity, meaning something happening or doing at the same time. In the context of learning, it means that the participants or students participate in the learning process in real time. Therefore, they require to be physically present in a particular location, such as the classroom or the online class or a web conference where they can interact with the teacher and their peers.

Furthermore, synchronous learning is the standardized mode of education that goes beyond the boundaries of traditional classroom sessions because of the online mechanism. For instance, institutes and teachers use web and video conferencing tools to facilitate enriching classes.

Improved Student Engagement

You may refer to traditional classes as synchronous because the learning and teaching process takes place in real time. Besides, synchronous online classes fall within the same category as it entails regular attendance, lectures, and various online activities, including group discussions. For instance, teachers conduct debates on a topic, enabling students to voice their opinion, but it is essential to establish a code of discipline to avoid talking over one another.

As a result, students get the opportunity to hear different perspectives, helping them broaden their thought processes. Similarly, during group projects, when students get divided into particular groups of four or five, they are required to work together. In effect, they must divide individual responsibilities and make sure to fulfill them; this is an ideal example of collaborative work.

Hence, evidently, synchronous learning is conducive to improved student engagement as students are encouraged to participate actively in the learning process. Besides, it is crucial to point out that the inclusion of tech-enabled classroom sessions is one of the key tenets of NEP 2020, which aims to transform the Indian education system. Additionally, it aims to improve the student learning habits by ensuring students get trained in transferable skills, which will give them an extra edge in the job market.

Essential Aspects of Synchronous Learning

1. Immediate Feedback from the Instructors and Peers

The synchronous learning approach allows teachers to create a dynamic learning environment; passive educational techniques take a backseat, and students engage with each other and instructors. In effect, it allows teachers to observe individual students’ performance and track their regular progress.

One of the biggest advantages is that students get instant feedback based on class work they completed; it could be a simple online or offline traditional class task. Besides, online tools provide convenient platforms to share instant feedback with respective students. Also, the students can share their comments on their classmates’ work during a group project; teachers need to establish guidelines to provide constructive comments instead of offensive ones.

2. Well-structured Classes

Synchronous classes are conducive to structure and schedule, which means that the instructor prepares lesson plans and designs activities to be employed. Hence, there is no time wasted; for instance, the teacher conducts the class according to the curriculum. Likewise, students follow along without being distracted.

Thanks to timely guidance, students are aware of the learning outcomes and adapt their learning habits; they prepare for the assessments accordingly, and the teacher evaluates them systematically.

3. Direct Communication

Communication between students, teachers and parents is a key aspect of ensuring students' success in the long run. First, as a teacher, if you can witness a student's performance, you would certainly want to provide them feedback. Consequently, it helps you to identify their strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to help them overcome their most common issues.

Furthermore, teachers can send the weekly reports to parents directly with the help of various communication tools, helping them stay updated about their wards’ academic condition. Besides, direct communication helps to improve student-teacher relationships, eliminating the awkwardness and encouraging learners to share their doubts and insecurities.

What is Asynchronous Learning?

Asynchronous learning refers to the education system wherein students are not directly engaged with the learning process. Even though the asynchronous classes have submission deadlines for projects, it allows students to connect with the instructor and peers according to their convenience.

According to this learning structure, teachers provide a specific system of operations regarding the educational material; however, it depends on the learner how much he/she wants to choose for studying purposes. Also, the use of message boards and forums is vital to facilitate a mode of communication between learners.

Essential Aspects of Asynchronous Learning

1. Flexible Learning System

Distance or remote learning is a perfect example of asynchronous learning; it is a viable option for individuals who want to pursue higher studies and a job simultaneously. Besides, you must agree that it becomes challenging to commit time to academics, especially when one has several responsibilities.

Gradual loss of interest, lack of enthusiasm towards academics and lack of proper instruction often becomes the reason for students dropping out. On the contrary, when institutes provide effective asynchronous learning classes, including flexible learning schedules and assignments, it benefits the students.

2. Self-Paced Learning

Imagine a scenario where you don’t have to keep up with the pace of the rest of the class; instead, you can learn at your own convenience. Of course, that does not mean that one would slack off, procrastinate and fail to commit to deadlines. Instead, students would be self-motivated to continue their learning and master the understanding of particular topics.

Meanwhile, they need to deal with the disconnected social environment, distractions and independent learning difficulties. But there is nothing like the hunger to finish your degree, expand your knowledge, and fulfill the learning outcomes, which may work as a self-reminder.

3. Access to Varied Study Materials

An asynchronous learning structure is less immersive because there might not be regular classes, so students would get limited chances to interact with the teacher. However, the instruction comes in the form of once or twice-a-week classes accompanied by varied educational materials.

Furthermore, students can obtain information from ebooks, pre-recorded classes, and lecture videos detailing and explaining varied topics; therefore, students can spend as much time as they want to understand the core topics and subjects.