Asynchronous vs Synchronous

As you continue to build and evolve your online lessons, it might be helpful to understand some of the terms being used on social media and amongst your teaching peers to describe online learning. As you read these definitions, it is important to select what best fits the needs of you and your students.

For more information on these key terms, Click here for an article from Kasey Bell including podcast.

Definitions

Synchronous online activities are those that require students and instructors to be online at the same time. Instructions, lessons, discussions, and presentations occur at a specific time. All students must be online at that specific time in order to participate. (NOT FLEXIBLE)

Synchronous Examples

• Google Meet live classes, for example, every student must join a Meet call at 9:00 for a live lesson.
• Students collaborating in a Google Doc/Slide at the same time
• Assigned work time during a live meeting (even if they turn their camera off), For example: Work on X assignment from 11:00-11:30.

Asynchronous online activities are just the opposite. Teachers provide materials, instructions, lessons, and assignments that can be accessed over an extended period of time. Students are given a timeframe and/or due dates to complete the work and watch lessons and videos. Interactions and discussions take place using asynchronous tools like discussion boards that do not require everyone to be connected at the same time. (FLEXIBLE)

Asynchronous activities require some student autonomy, ability to self-direct, and monitor progress.

Asynchronous Examples

• Google Meet video recordings where the lesson video is posted online, and students can watch at different times.
• Students are contributing to a collaborative Google Doc/Slide at different times.
• For example, Give a week’s worth of assignments at the beginning of the week, and students take ownership to complete assignments within the time frame. (Flexible work time)

Blended Learning is a combination of face-to-face and online learning, so it combines any number of these strategies.