Benefits of Real-Time Interactions

Students are generally taking online classes for one specific reason, flexibility. Either their work schedule, where they live, or their family life limits their ability to attend on-ground classes. Due to many of these reasons, most online classes have been designed to be asynchronous only. While asynchronous interactions can be just as effective as synchronous for certain objectives, more and more faculty are looking for ways to integrate some real-time learning interactions in their classes, and in what ways those interactions could be most effective. In our research for this module, we came across the work of Stefan Hrastinski. In his article, Asynchronous and Synchronous E-Learning Links to an external site., he works to find where and when can synchronous learning can bring value to the online environment.

Findings from his article include this idea:

Learners become more psychologically aroused and motivated in synchronous communication because he or she knows a response is likely.  In contrast, asynchronous e-learning increases the ability to process information.

His article includes the following tables to further illustrate the When, Why, and How to Use Asynchronous vs. Synchronous E-Learning. 

 
(Hrastinski, 2008 Links to an external site.)

As we have seen from faculty at our own colleges, teaching online can include synchronous interactions. The key is being intentional about how you utilize those interactions, what the purpose of those interactions are, and providing an alternative to those who truly can't meet with you synchronously. Another important factor is transparency. Communicating clearly to students that the course includes synchronous interactions is very important. Clearly indicating that in the course catalog, syllabus, and any advertising becomes very important. If you are using synchronous interactions as a supplemental activity, this transparency becomes less important. In order to help us think about bringing synchronous elements into our online classes, I've included a snippet of one of my favorite podcasts, Teaching in Higher Ed Links to an external site..

 Click Next to learn about use cases and example of synchronous learning