Learning Modalities Summary

Asynchronous and synchronous learning are two online educational delivery modalities. There are advantages and disadvantages to both delivery modalities. Asynchronous and synchronous delivery modalities employ different facilitation strategies. Each modality has differences related to facilitators and learners.


This learning team chose a blog as the delivery method to present a comparison of asynchronous and synchronous learning modalities.Employing a blog as the delivery medium allows information to be presented to a diverse audience who can connect to the Internet at his or her convenience as well as serving as an example of asynchronous learning. Using a blog allows for future reference to the information provided. Using a blog as a delivery medium in asynchronous learning environments is a tool that allows posting of important information, materials, notes, questions, and directions. Learners can access blogs at his or her convenience, not at a scheduled time (Business Software, 2011).


By employing a blog to use in the asynchronous learning environment, the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages for learners. A blog can be accessed at the convenience to the learner. The information can be retrieved anytime, anywhere, and used as references. Discussion questions, instructions, comments, references, and other notes can be posted for the learner to access when needed.


Choosing to present a comparison of asynchronous and synchronous learning environments in a blog format is appropriate because as previously stated; a blog is an example asynchronous learning. In addition, the first part of the comparison describes both the advantages and disadvantages of each type of learning. The perception of an advantage or a disadvantage is different for each learner based on learning style, personality, exposure to different learning environments, past experiences, etc. Using a blog allows members of the learning community to share their own opinion, thus creating a more robust discussion. This capability will also enrich the exploration of the differences between facilitators and learners in each type of learning environment, as participants have the opportunity contribute examples of their own personal experiences and preferences in each environment.


In comparing aspects of asynchronous and synchronous learning, the same topic used to teach in an asynchronous environment will be used to describe instruction in a synchronous course. “Synchronous course provide online learning environments that are very interactive and use web conferencing products” (Skylar, 2009, pp.71-72). The technology used today has changed over time and is convenient and easy for learners to access his or her instruction from his or her own desktop or laptop computer. Web conferencing is a tool used in this comparison. Web conferencing increases the effects of the traditional classroom experience. In order to use the same topic used in the asynchronous blog, as an example, a few elements will change (Skylar, 2009).


First, a synchronous environment requires a set date and time for meeting. Through this format, learners participate using the text chat function, voice communication using a microphone, whiteboard tools, and real time surveys called polling. Polling gauges learners’ comprehension and increase learner involvement in a web conferencing environment. It is important that interactions takes place as it determines the effectiveness of the class. For example, instead of a table posted in a blog, in the synchronous learning environment, learners could post their input on a Whiteboard. Another important factor in a synchronous environment is the instructor’s technical ability in managing the software. This is a very important aspect of web conference to ensure successful conferencing. So many things can go wrong if the right equipment and the instructor are not knowledgeable about how they may troubleshoot problems. This knowledge or lack of knowledge will have a positive or negative impact on the transmitting of a web conference. In a synchronous environment, instruction is “live.” One way to overcome the challenges of the web-conference would be to have the conference taped and have learners respond to the instructor by texting his or her questions until the problem is resolved (Skylar, 2009).


When comparing asynchronous and synchronous learning modalities, it is easy to see the similarities. Both methods of instruction are done online and can be accessed with ease as long as the learner can access the internet. There are advantages and disadvantages to both modalities. Asynchronous and synchronous learning modalities also have differences related to facilitators and learners. Advantages and disadvantages to each modality are related to, but not limited to learning styles, personality, exposure to learning environments and past learning experiences. Both modalities employ different facilitation strategies. The use of blogs in the online learning environment gives learners the ability to access information related to courses anytime, anywhere. Use of blogs in the learning environment is an example of asynchronous learning. In the synchronous learning environment, polling or the use of Whiteboards may be employed where learner involvement is immediate.