Over the past year and a half, our world has faced some major changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We saw the rise and push towards online learning and virtual schooling, which in return gave a rise to the topic of synchronous and asynchronous learning. Now that things are beginning to re-opening, society must adjust to the new norma,l and organizations must keep up with the times. With the state our world is in, having mixed learning options will be beneficial for your business in numerous ways. When creating a mixed learning environment you need to carefully consider what content to cover and the proper way to present it to your students. Deepening and broadening engagement with students is possible by creating blended learning experiences.

Explanation:

Asynchronous - Asynchronous learning is a student-centered teaching method that doesn't rely on scheduled classes or on-campus meetings. Since online learning can be done at a student's own pace in some cases, it fits well with this model. In asynchronous learning, there are no set times for students to attend class. They can learn at any time, at their own pace. Attending class meetings is not required. Students learn at their own pace in an asynchronous learning environment. Its basic premise is that learning can occur in different times and spaces particular to each learner, as opposed to synchronous learning which occurs at the same time and place with learners and their instructor(s).

Synchronous - it refers to all types of learning, which occur when learners and teachers are in the same place, at the same time. This includes in-person classes, live online meetings when the whole class or smaller groups get together. In synchronous learning, students usually go through the learning path together, doing the same activities at the same time and guided by an instructor who's able to provide support while they're completing tasks. Most online learning happens asynchronously, with synchronous learning usually taking place only if there is a specific need for live discussion or interaction, or as a strategy to build community among learners.

Benefits:

• Program diversity is more important now than ever. With things constantly changing and being up in the air, having both options is only going to be beneficial to your company, it could prevent your company from having to shutdown programming altogether with another potential lockdown.

• People like to have as much information as possible at their fingertips, hybrid learning helps make this possible, it also makes it so there is something for everyone.

  • To have a successful hybrid program you need to make sure all the stars align. It can be hard to do, but a successful online meeting is easier without disruptions. With synchronous learning, it can be hard to guarantee that everyone logs in and stays logged in when you need them to, but do your best to try and make it happen.

• Try to avoid potential noise disruptions like dogs barking or other background noises. Some instructors prefer to teach in-person to avoid dealing with the complexities of online learning but consider trying to get some to give it a go.

• Streaming videos and connecting to online meetings use significant amounts of data and require fast Internet connections to which not all students may have access. Even in cases when most students do have high-speed Internet and can connect to meetings successfully, it only takes one or two glitches in connectivity to affect the overall quality of the meeting.

  • For that reason, it can be important to have in-person options as well to make your program accessible for everyone.

  • Another solution to these problems is having asynchronous options so they are not time-sensitive and easily altered with technical difficulties.

• Hybrid programs can be a game-changer for students that either needs more time or have the desire to move at a faster pace. Having both synchronous and asynchronous aspects to your program brings in the best of both worlds making it so there is more room for the larger majority to succeed in your program!

Ideas for Asynchronous:

For asynchronous learning and activities, it is important to be creative and use different ideas to keep your students engaged.

• Using videos and PDFs are basic, but effective learning tools. When presenting videos and PDFs try to use up-to-date, engaging content. With this, it is very simple to attach a resource link for students to locate additional information.

• Another option is eLearning or Guided interactive activities, this can be a very large variety of things and can work with just about any program.

• Something a bit more unique is providing activity kits. This is sending the materials directly to the student's home, bringing kits to families to give the ability to track hands-on activities from a distance.

• Having things such as quizzes is another great way to track progress, just make sure the time slots are flexible, but still have an expiration date and time.

• Modules are another great way to track progress, providing units and different modules gives students a focus point and structure.

There are so many different options for asynchronous learning, it is just about finding what works best for your program!

Developing a stronger program is always an option, there is always room to grow, embracing new learning techniques such as hybrid programming is a great way to do this. Asynchronous and synchronous learning is very powerful when used together, especially in today’s world. Using a mixture allows there to be something for everyone and increases the chances of success within your program. There are several unique techniques you can use to enhance asynchronous learning. Hybrid learning allows there to be something for everyone and gives flexibility for your students.