Asynchronous Learning vs. Real-Time Teaching: Differences Explained

There are multiple teaching methods, systems, and strategies. However, they all fall under three broad categories. These are asynchronous learning, synchronous learning, and blended learning, which is a combination of the first two systems.

What is Asynchronous Learning?

Asynchronous learning is learning that happens on a student's schedule. While there may be other students in a learner's group or class, not all students have to be in the same place at the same time in order to receive instruction. Popular asynchronous learning networks and tools include:

• Pre-recorded lectures on YouTube
• Coursera
• Khan Academy

Asynchronous Learning Pros and Cons

Asynchronous learning began as correspondence course education. It was an effective way to provide learners in remote areas access to a high-quality education and is still a valuable tool for this purpose. Statistics from the National Center for Education Statistics show that it's significantly harder for schools in towns and rural areas to fill many teaching positions, including positions for special education teachers, foreign language teachers, ESL teachers, biology/life science teachers, PE teachers, language arts teachers, social studies teachers, and career/technical education teachers. For students who don't live in large cities or suburban areas, asynchronous online learning can spell the difference between a quality education and one with significant gaps.

At the same time, it's not only rural schools that struggle to meet learner needs. Over a third of schools in large cities and suburban areas find it difficult or even impossible to find special ed, physical science, and foreign language teachers. More than one in four schools struggle to find qualified math, computer science, and biology/life science teachers. Asynchronous learning makes it possible for district administrators to connect learners with qualified teachers even if they can't find these teachers locally.

At the same time, asynchronous learning has some significant drawbacks. It requires a higher degree of student motivation than in-person learning, especially if learners are allowed to learn from home rather than at school. It lacks real-time communication that can allow learners to get fast answers to questions and enable teachers to see if students are understanding the study material. What's more, researchers have expressed concern that the lack of human interaction in an asynchronous learning program can not only inhibit academic progress but also negatively affect a learner's psychological state.

What is Synchronous Learning?

Synchronous learning is learning that takes place at the same place and time for all learners. Traditional in-person learning is the most common synchronous learning environment, but it's not the only one. Thanks to the internet, students can benefit from synchronous online learning by taking part in interactive livestream classes in a school classroom. Popular tools for synchronous online learning include Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and interactive education platforms such as Nearpod and Kahoot. Interactive platforms, unlike live streaming sites, have tools to help children interact with a teacher and each other during class and afterwards. They also have tools to help teachers keep track of coursework, tests, and grades.

Synchronous Learning Pros and Cons

Human interaction is the greatest advantage of synchronous class environments. Studies show that an in-person classroom environment offers a higher degree of positive feelings than asynchronous learning environments. Separating learning from human interaction actually undermines the educational process as students need to be able to communicate with a teacher and each other in order to make significant academic progress long-term. As Harvard researchers have found, many learners think they grasp more from pre-recorded lectures than in-person classes. However, in reality, students who actively take part in class grasp more than they would in an asynchronous learning environment.

One of the main drawbacks of in-person or live stream classes is that learners have to come together at the same time in order to study. This can be difficult or even impossible if students are attending live online classes from different time zones. What's more, synchronous teaching methods don't allow learners to study material at their own pace. Students who grasp the material quickly may get bored in class as they wait for other learners to catch up.

Blended Learning: The Best of Both Worlds

Many schools see blended learning as the best way to gain the benefits of asynchronous and synchronous learning. Using this model, students take some asynchronous classes on their own and then come to school for in-person or live stream classes. Alternatively, students can attend interactive livestream classes at school and then use the recorded livestream class to review and complete assignments at home. Such a set-up enables schools to make up for the lack of teachers in their area. It also gives learners the opportunity to study some educational materials at their own pace while also providing students with opportunities to work with a teacher and fellow students in real time.

Schools considering the blended learning model should keep several important points in mind:

• Synchronous classes should still play a significant role in a blended learning model. Flipped class models and other blended learning strategies that minimize in-person learning don't give students the communication opportunities they need to reach their full academic potential.
• Online learning environments must be set up properly in order to help students succeed. Good computers and a stable internet connection are a must. Facilitators should be present in the classroom to supervise learners and provide technical support should the need arise.
• Online learning platforms should provide the features and tools needed to make a livestream class engaging and interactive. These tools include discussion boards, chat rooms, breakout rooms, interactive whiteboards, screen-sharing capabilities, and tools for setting up live quizzes and games.
• Careful planning is key to success. It's important to assess your school's needs at the start of each semester in order to remain compliant with your state's educational requirements. At the same time, you'll want to see if additional courses such as music, art, advanced math, and world language classes could benefit certain students.
• Monitor your blended learning set-up to make sure it's meeting your school's needs. As enrollment changes and teachers come or go, you may need to add or remove some online classes from your line-up. Student interest is also a factor to consider when choosing classes for high school learners.

Why Partner with Proximity Learning?

Many asynchronous and blended learning companies started during the COVID-19 lockdowns and have only minimal experience providing students with a quality education. Proximity Learning, on the other hand, has more than fifteen years of experience connecting schools to certified, experienced teachers. We offer a huge range of core classes, CTE classes, and elective courses to meet the needs of any educational institution. We also provide summer school classes, tutoring, and special education case management to help IEP and 504 students reach their learning goals. All classes are offered on your school's bell schedule, and we use top-tier tools to engage students and make learning fun and effective. Contact us today to find out more about how we operate and what we offer, or to start the onboarding process for your school.

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