Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning

Define and describe asynchronous and synchronous learning. Use pros and cons to compare and contrast each. Discuss ways to present instructional content synchronously and asynchronously.

Good instructional design allows for both learning activities to blend the material.

Asynchronous learning is when the individual sets the pace, time is determined by the student, independent of other factors. Examples would be: self-studies, computer based learning, online courses, discussion boards, blogging, web quests, wiki, research, traditional homework, assignments or projects that are due at the end of the course.

Pros – can be taken in different locations, accessible to meet the needs of a busy learner, material is ready when learner is equipped and ready, remote learning. Individuals that need to spend more time on the material can pace their learning, do additional research to ensure learning is occurring in the way they need the information presented.

Cons – Distractions may keep learner from reviewing the material, no guarantee that the learning is understood correctly, questions learner has not easily be answered, learners may find way to “cheat” the assessment. Material can be very boring if designed poorly. “Checking back” with the learner is more difficult when they are learning on their own.

Synchronous learning is instructor led, time element, learners “in sync”. Examples could be traditional classroom, virtual classroom, video conference, virtual lecture, chat board or interactive learning management system. Also, wikis or other collaborative tools could be used where several participants join together at the same time to learn or work on a project simultaneously.

Pros – Social presence, familiar with the learning setting, group interaction, non-verbal interpretation to check back to see if learning occurred.

Cons – Not all learners move at same pace, can be frustrating if the pace is too fast, or too slow. Language barriers could exist. Room may be too large or too small for individual learning. Physical challenges such as room configuration, lighting, temperature can distract from effective learning.


How have you used different types of learning effectively?



Resources:

Clark & Meyer. (2007). E-learning & the science of instruction: proven guidelines for consumers & designer of multimedia learning.

Colvin Clark, R, & Kwinn, A. (2007). The new virtual classroom. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer.

Practice with Camtasia Software

Camtasia was a very exciting tool to use and I found it full of rich features that could support online learning, tutorials, and simple video production. I can see the usefulness of this type of program in videos that I personally want to create and share. The Pros to Camtasia is that it takes the simple screencast to a new level. It was simple for me to record a video and make edits to the playback with ease. The Zoom feature was easy to add and move through the timeline of my screen shot so I could place it where I wanted the emphasis. Using the callout feature was very straight forward, and I had no difficulty with that. TechSmith had very easy tutorials and good instructions on how to use all of the features of their product. I have enjoyed using Jing Pro and this is an advanced version with editing capabilities that are useful. Camtasia also has an add-in to PowerPoint and can be accessed to record a PowerPoint slideshow. Uploading to the web was very simple, allowing to send to screencast, blog, YouTube or other web media. I created a quick screencast and included the link below. Cons were that there were some features that I was not able to integrate into my presentation. The custom backgrounds contained images and videos, but I was never able to overlay my presentation on top and integrate. Also, the cost to the software could be a drawback to some school districts or companies that have invested in other programs already.

Camtasia has a 30 day free download, and I look forward to practicing with the features it offers.

http://www.screencast.com/users/soulfull/folders/Default/media/2cc487f4-41df-44ce-ba24-94e30feb072a

Thank you,
Brooke

New Computer, New Learning Activities

The last few days have been about a lot of New in my life. Computer crashed and had to buy a new computer. For this week's assignment, we needed to create a "do" activity. Do activities stimulate curiousity and engage the learner to become involved in the learning process. I wanted to create a Powerpoint with narration, created a Wordle, recorded the video with Jing and post to YouTube. I have never posted anything to YouTube so this was a learning experience. I also have not been successful lately with screencasting due to my system and software updates. In the end, I have created a learning activity, the first of its kind for me, that is been published for all to see. Last night I viewed the presentations available on YouTube and it appeared there was a niche for a series of programs that could be viewed to assist a trainer with icebreaker and other activities. The possibilities are only limited to my imagination. I feel so proud that I navigated my way through the "high-tech" systems, and have arrived.....I am published on YouTube!

Here's the links to all:
YouTube video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEpdFL1gYX0
Wordle: http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/2410107/student_thoughts
Screencast only: http://www.screencast.com/users/soulfull/folders/Jing/media/1225f042-3a16-4269-a771-7b1dbc414d1d

How about you?


Brooke