October 2009


What is: Synchronous (Distance Learning)

Synchronous adj : instructor’s delivery of online course content and participation by online students occurs at the same time.

For those who opt for a synchronous distance learning course, the experience is very similar to the traditional classroom one: instructors and students meet at a scheduled time at a predetermined [virtual] location, and interaction is instantaneous. With this type of online course, educators rely on technology such as video conferencing, chat rooms, webinars, and phone conferences.






What is: Asynchronous (Distance Learning)

Asynchronous adj : instructor’s delivery of online course content and participation by online students not occurring at the same time.

For those who opt for an asynchronous distance learning course, there are no scheduled online class meeting times and interaction between online instructors and students are normally delayed. Educators rely on discussion boards, e-mails, and prerecorded videos to communicate with their online students.