Organizations are at a crossroads in learning because of the disagreement over whether to use synchronous learning or asynchronous learning. Instructors and managers need help deciding which type of learning is better for remote employees. This discussion has been going on over the past few years and even more, with remote learning gaining traction. This article outlines the difference, benefits, and challenges of synchronous and asynchronous learning.
What Distinguishes Synchronous From Asynchronous Learning?
Synchronous learning takes place in real time. This is the most convenient method of training. Most of us picture synchronous learning as a live lecture with an instructor and peers; we think of a traditional classroom setup. But for online learners, synchronous learning can take the form of live webinars and videoconferences.
Asynchronous learning encompasses online discussions, video lectures, and most eLearning courses. In asynchronous learning, learners and instructors don’t communicate in real time. Under this model, employees can access course material whenever they want and take time to learn the same.
Benefits Of Synchronous Learning
Even though synchronous learning can be challenging to implement in a fully remote learning environment, it does offer unmatched opportunities to instill a sense of belongingness and community spirit to grow and opens the door to effective peer learning experiences.
- Real-time interaction between learners and instructors creates a true learning environment. Also, when employees interact with one another, they create a safe space for themselves. This group boosts each other’s morale to finish the training without skipping meetings and sessions. Thus, employees can interact with one another and their instructor while learning synchronously without being cut off by a computer monitor.
- Organic conversations happen in real-time when staff members interact with the instructional content simultaneously and at the same location. Employees can ask questions during live training sessions and provide inputs to improve the conversation. Additionally, instructors can encourage teamwork among staff members, and lively discussions may offer various viewpoints and deepen understanding. Such interactions help honest discussions to develop.
- Participation rates could increase. Real-time deadlines and expectations lead to greater and excellent participation. If given a chance to complete training in accordance with schedules and at their own discretion, many employees will stop caring and finish tasks and training at the last minute. A sense of urgency results from synchronous learning.
- Instructors can give employees immediate feedback. Learners can ask instructors for more information or clarification in person, which they may not be able to do when learning asynchronously. Employees may comprehend the information more quickly as a result of this.
Challenges Of Synchronous Learning
Synchronous learning poses many difficulties, particularly in a remote setting.
- In-person opportunities for conversation, questioning, and instructor feedback—benefits that make synchronous learning appealing—are more challenging to implement online. It may be difficult for instructors who use a screen with tiny learner boxes to identify when learners are lost or uninterested. Additionally, because videoconferencing software has limited functionality, it is more difficult for learners to get the instructor’s attention when they possess a concern or question.
- It’s harder to break up a conversation online. Synchronous learning is successful only when an honest discussion between the instructors and the employees happens. Unplanned interruptions that feel natural face-to-face are harder to pull off during an online learning segment. Synchronous virtual lessons may feel dull without these lively discussions, and staff members may not be as engaged or pay as much attention.
- High-performance technology is necessary for online synchronous learning to be successful. Access to essential resources, such as a speedy internet connection, is required for a remote synchronous lesson to be successful. Technical issues may make it difficult for learners to comprehend or engage.
Benefits Of Asynchronous Learning
- All learners can benefit from asynchronous learning, but remote employees, in particular, find it the most advantageous. Employees can explore topics that interest them in greater depth when learning asynchronously and at their convenience.
- Materials are available for employees to access whenever they want. Asynchronous learning allows learners to learn whenever it suits their schedules and preferences. It is especially beneficial right now as employees deal with pandemic-related financial, physical, and mental challenges.
- Each employee develops at their rate. Employees who learn asynchronously interact more with the material that interests them and presents them with challenges. Pausing lessons they find difficult to understand, rewinding and replaying the essential material, and moving at their own pace are all a part of asynchronous learning. With learning flows and interactive content created for specific learners, instructors using collaborative tools can further improve engagement.
- All learners receive the same level of access and consideration. Employees who participate in learning in an asynchronous format feel empowered in a way that may not be possible in a purely synchronous setting. As opposed to what might happen in a live environment, asynchronous learning protects more reserved employees from being sidelined by better arguments. In a sense, it evens the playing field by giving every employee the same chance to be in charge of their learning.
- The cost-effectiveness and scalability for instructors are greater. Instead of repeating the same presentation and lecture to various departments within an organization, instructors can create a single lesson for each training topic. It gives instructors more time and resources, allowing them to give more attention to each learner.
Challenges Of Asynchronous Learning
- The asynchronous learning approach is impersonal because there is no instructor or group of peers to interact with. Learners’ relationships in a real-world learning environment will likely not develop in such a setting.
- Additionally, a learner’s experience is left wanting more due to the lack of in-person communication with peers and instructors. Employees will be forced to face adversity on their own without someone to turn to when they need help learning.
- Learners must develop self-discipline because asynchronous courses are individualistic to remain on top of their growth. Asynchronous learning may not be successful for those who lack discipline.
Bottom Line
Which kind of learning is ultimately the most successful? Unfortunately, there is no direct answer to this question. Both synchronous and asynchronous learning has benefits and drawbacks of their own. These two strategies work well in various contexts. Your organization’s specific needs will influence many aspects of your selected learning strategy. Therefore, before choosing the type of learning method, it is essential to consider your learning goals, preferred curriculum delivery method, types of content, as well as the availability of instructors.