What is asynchronous learning, and what are the examples, strengths, and weaknesses?
Asynchronous learning has been a method of learning for quite some time now. However, many students got a first-hand experience of asynchronous learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Schools were closed as well as any other place where people gathered for one reason or the other. During this isolation, classes were held online all thanks to technology.
It was more like the students never left the classroom in the first place.
Asynchronous learning is different from attending an online class with your classmates and teacher. As the name implies ‘asynchronous’ which means not at the same time.
We will be discussing the examples, strengths, and weaknesses of asynchronous learning in this guide.
Definition of Asynchronous Learning
Asynchronous learning allows you to attend online classes on your own schedule and does not require real-time communication or interaction with the instructor.
Asynchronous learning is different from synchronous learning. The latter can be done online and in-person and students can join fellow classmates to attend scheduled classes with their instructor.
You learn at your own pace any time you want with asynchronous learning.
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Asynchronous Learning Examples
First, we start with asynchronous learning examples before discussing its strengths and weaknesses.
Podcasts
In the last few decades, podcasts have become more popular with discussions focused on various topics.
There are several educational podcasts that discuss different topics. You can listen to a professor, discussion, or interview related to your topic through podcasts.
Also, you can listen to any discussion related to your topic of interest any time you like.
Listening to podcasts that discuss your topic of interest is asynchronous because you can’t interact with the person you listening to. It’s an example of asynchronous learning since it’s impossible to directly communicate with the teacher in real time.
Your only chance to ask any questions is by sending an email to the podcaster and then patiently waiting for a response.
Online Course Platforms
There are several online education platforms offering digital courses to just anybody who is interested to learn something new.
The world today is where you can learn any skill whether it’s Python, coding, or a university course, there is so much these online education platforms can offer.
Generally, the courses can be designed by any individual with vast knowledge. The courses are then placed on any reliable online education platform for the public.
Those who are interested in any course can register, pay for it, and take the course at their own pace.
Additionally, many of the course creators may offer assessment procedures such as exams and quizzes.
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Slideshows
Slideshows are digital presentations with photographs and valuable information that can be easily reviewed online at any given time. The viewers in this situation can control how the information is presented.
By clicking on specific icons, the viewers can move the photos and information at their own pace.
The creator of the slideshow may decide to include an audio narration or background sound. This makes the slideshow more interesting, engaging the viewers at the moment.
Slideshows are more effective when used for emotionally related content. Most companies prefer to use slideshows during training programs for new employees.
Webinars
Webinars are commonly used by experts in a specific area of skill, occupation, or position, to connect with their audience. It’s an internet-based video conference that connects a host with an audience from different parts of the world.
The audience can listen to the host speak live or the host can also switch to a video or slideshow in other to allow other guest speakers to co-host the event from different locations.
During this online interaction, viewers can ask the host questions. They can also engage in discussions with themselves in a chat box.
Webinars can be recorded online, which allows the host to place their webinars online for others to access at any given time.
YouTube
There are countless number of content on YouTube from entertainment, to documentary, to sports, you name it. It’s also a platform where you can find millions of educational content on specific topics.
To find the content you are looking for, all you have to do is type in the keyword. For every word you type in, you will find many videos discussing the specific topic you are interested in.
The videos you will find on YouTube are stored online, so they can be accessed at any time, irrespective of location.
While you can learn how to bake a loaf of bread or renovate a house by watching videos on YouTube, the disadvantage remains that you don’t have control over the quality of information presented to you.
Any YouTuber can upload a video on how to bake a loaf of bread. However, you are not guaranteed that the recipe for the bread will satisfy your taste. And talking about renovating a house, that is the job of a professional and not a skill learned from watching a video on YouTube for a few minutes.
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Asynchronous Learning Strengths
We have discussed a few asynchronous learning examples, and here, we will be looking at its strengths and finally its weaknesses.
Greater Flexibility
Asynchronous learning allows users to learn at their own pace. This is beneficial to individuals who work full-time jobs or are engaged in other responsibilities.
In their free time, they can participate and learn a course without being concerned about meeting up with an online instructor on time.
A good number of people will benefit from this, especially single parents, non-traditional students, and people with medical conditions.
Greater Usability
Asynchronous learning grants easy access to educational content. The contents are stored online and can easily be downloaded or operated while in use.
Users can easily rewind the content, view and listen to it over and over again if they choose to. Greater usability means that the users have access and can control learning at his/her own pace.
Everyone learns at a different speed, so if you are one of those people that need more time to better understand learning, you can pause the presentation and reassess the information at your own pace.
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Greater Access
The major strength of asynchronous learning is easy accessibility. The content is stored on the internet which makes it easy to access for anyone provided they have a strong internet connection.
This allows users to access the content at any time from any location.
Asynchronous Learning Weaknesses
We have talked about asynchronous learning examples and strengths, let’s look at the weaknesses.
Delayed Feedback
One of the weaknesses of asynchronous learning is that feedback can be slow.
Questions will be asked since it involves a learning process. Users may ask questions about the online version of a course and getting responses to their questions may take hours or days.
Can Reduce Motivation
Engaging in direct conversations with instructors during class can be motivating for most students.
It’s a different atmosphere when students are physically interacting with their instructor. Asynchronous learning does not offer that level of interaction, hence students may lose interest and motivation.
With the absence of a supervisor, some users may not take their training seriously as they should. They need the presence of a supervisor to stay motivated and focused on the task.
Conclusion
Asynchronous learning allows you to attend online classes on your own schedule and does not require real-time communication or interaction with the instructor.
However, it has its strengths and weakness, as users can easily access the content at any given time and it can also be less motivated in the absence of a supervisor.
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References
- Research.com: A Guide to Asynchronous Learning: Definition, Benefits & Examples of Activities
- HelpfulProfessor: 12 Asynchronous Learning Examples, Strengths & Weaknesses
- Coursera: What Is Asynchronous Learning?
- SplashLearn: What Is Asynchronous Learning? Benefits & Examples
- M Higley – Retrieved April 2013: Benefits of synchronous and asynchronous e-learning
- S Hrastinski – Educause Quarterly, 2008: Asynchronous and synchronous e-learning
