Kristyn Marcondes

There are two different types of learning. Synchronous and Asynchronous learning. When deciding which type of learning works best for you, first you must understand the meaning of the words and the advantages and disadvantages of both learning styles.

Synchronous learning is a type of learning where learners and teachers are in the same place simultaneously. Synchronous learning includes in-person classrooms as well as online live-streamed classes. With synchronous learning, students go through the learning process together.

Teachers are there in real-time to help and guide learners. Students can participate in class and have group discussions. If students have a question, they can ask aloud in class or in a virtual class; students may choose to type it in the class chat box.

Asynchronous learning is a student-centered teaching method mainly used in online learning. Asynchronous learning incorporates self-guided lessons where classes feature prerecorded lectures that students watch on their own. Teachers will design a learning path for students, followed by quizzes and tests to ensure that the student is doing the work. Asynchronous learning is done alone without group discussions and real-time teachers. There is little to no facial interaction. However, asynchronous classes use message boards to keep a running conversation between students and teachers. There is also a discussion board where a student can interact with their peers for social learning.

Asynchronous learning may be ideal for some working adults who don't have a set schedule. The basic premise for this type of schooling is that knowledge can occur at different times more suitable to the student's lifestyle than synchronous learning, which requires a set schedule and attendance. Asynchronous classes use message boards to keep a running conversation between students and teachers to keep lines of communication open.

If a learner is more comfortable completing tasks and activities in a group setting, synchronous learning may be the proper choice.

If a student prefers little interaction with peers and teachers, Asynchronous may be a better route. Which class style is right depends solely on the individual learner. Potential students should consider their schedule, environment, learning style, and personality type before deciding.

Deirdre DeFilippo

     In the world we live in today, there are two major forms of learning. One most used form of learning is synchronous learning which is when the students and professor are both present in class at the same time. Examples of this can be a live Zoom call, or traditional classroom style of learning. Another variation of learning is Asynchronous learning. This is when there is no in person class or live chat and the students do assignments the teachers have posted. These two styles of learning are similar and different in many ways.

      A major difference between the two forms of learning is the actual classroom environment. In Synchronous learning both student and professor are present at the same time. This can be beneficial to the students because the classroom setting is an open seminar allowing for immediate help and or feedback from other students and professor. This allows teacher and students to build off each other’s ideas and openly discuss topics. A student may also depend on a classroom setting to help them focus. On the other hand, Asynchronous learning can be done any time before the assignment due, meaning some people work best at different times of the day, as well as independently. Asynchronous learning allows the student to work at a time when they are most productive. Asynchronous may also offer those with social anxiety the ability to learn from the safety of their home. Although these two learning styles are different, they also share similarities.

     Communication between student and teacher can be similar for both ways of learning. Whether the student is live or not they can still ask their teachers questions via email. This is one of the most important parts of learning, good communication between teacher and students in an asynchronous learning environment or a synchronous learning environment. Either way of learning can be very efficient for students, whether you do best in a classroom as a dependent student or independent student learning on you own, synchronous and asynchronous learning will result in the same degree.  This is how the learning styles are similar.                                                        

     In conclusion, both methods of learning have their strong suits. In the diverse world we live in today, both forms of learning are used. The main goal is for the teacher to be able to educate and communicate efficiently with the students. It does not matter if it is in a classroom, where verbal instructions are given for students to follow or posted online for a student to read, they both get the job done. Although synchronous and asynchronous learning are alike, they are different in many ways, both forms of learning are helpful when instructing students. It is the student who makes the choice of how they as an individual learns best.