Synchronous learning is where the instructor and students are engaged in the course content at the same time and in the same place. In-person course meetings, lectures, labs and office hours are all synchronous. These activities can be synchronous in the online environment as well, although “place” becomes virtual instead of physical. Examples of synchronous learning include video conferencing tools (like Collaborate Ultra or Zoom), live chats or even using a phone. Asynchronous learning is when the instructor and students are engaged in learning activities at different times. In an in-person course environment, reading a textbook is often asynchronous since students may do this at any time and in any location. In the online environment, examples of asynchronous learning include information communicated through tools like pages in a module, posted readings, discussion forums, and email.

As you think about your online course, give serious thought to what parts of the course will be synchronous and which parts will be asynchronous. Depending on your learning goals, you may find some activities lend themselves to one format over the other. Many good online courses find a way to combine these formats, along with using a variety of tools to support them. This topic will be explored in future modules, but here are some advantages and disadvantages of each format.

Synchronous

Advantages

Disadvantages

There can be immediate exchanges between students and instructors, which may prevent misunderstanding and allow the instructor to adjust the session as necessary.
Students can ask questions and get answers during the session.
Increased sense of presence and connectedness.
Break-out rooms (defined later) allow for smaller group interaction.
Live chats for office hours allow for real-time interaction, like a conversation.

It may be challenging to schedule synchronous meetings due to time zones, internet access, and other commitments which prevent being online at a specific time.
Students in rural or remote areas may face challenges in loading video content if they do not have a reliable internet connection.
Accessibility requirements may be more difficult to meet - for example, providing captioning for a live presentation.
Facilitating interactive sessions with large numbers of participants may be challenging.

Asynchronous

Advantages

Disadvantages

Recorded sessions allow students time to digest the session content and/or conduct further research before posing questions in a discussion group.
Students can access the course content and initiate or respond to interactions with the instructor and their peers at a time that works with their schedule, even when internet connections are slow.
Students can re-watch recorded sessions, review content or access threads in discussion groups as many times as necessary.
Discussion forums may allow for more students to actively engage in discussions.
Allows students to work around unanticipated challenges such as falling sick for a week or dealing with a family emergency.

Course material may be misunderstood or have the potential to be misconstrued without the option to ask questions in real-time.
Students might feel less connected to an instructor when they are watching a recorded session.
Students might feel less connected to the course overall when they do not have social interaction with their peers and instructors.
Students might put off engaging with a recorded session because they can always “do it later.”
Asynchronous courses with less structure require a higher level of independent learning skills and task initiation skills since only deadlines may be scheduled.