E-Learning is an incredible way that allows learners to learn a different set of skills anytime and anywhere they want. The learners could be living in the US, and still be able to learn how to make classic French pastries with the help of the internet.
Sound instructions with the help of technology enable the students to get the education they always dreamt of but could never obtain.
The internet has contributed to making things easy that used to seem impossible. Now, people can subscribe to various online courses or get expert help through email to add more to their e-learning process.
In this regard, the advancements in the internet have contributed greatly. Spectrum internet is one of the best examples of an internet service provider that offers amazing speed plans that are suitable for everyone.
If you are a student and work on a tight budget, then subscribe to Spectrum’s budget-friendly plans. You don’t have to compromise either on your internet quality or your e-learning.
Types of eLearning
Primarily, there are two types of eLearning:
- Synchronous
- Asynchronous
We will dive deep into both categories so you can have a better understanding of how they work.
1. Synchronous eLearning
Essentially, synchronous eLearning is real-time learning. In this category, the learner and the instructor both directly interact with each other via the internet.
They both could be in different locations or time zones.
The successful interaction takes place on both ends. They send and receive resource materials such as books, papers, tasks, assignments, etc.
The learning resources can be shared via emails, chats, video conferencing, or a mutual work board offered by various websites.
This type of learning can take the form of live lectures, webinars, phone calls, live chat rooms, or Google classrooms.
This type of learning allows both parties to share their ideas directly and the learners can receive feedback on their progress as well.
The learners can also ask detailed questions, which in itself contributes significantly to their learning process.
In recent years, synchronous eLearning is increasingly gaining popularity amongst learners because of the advancements in technology and internet availability.
This type of learning has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- Direct and immediate interaction between the learners and instructors
- The response rate is higher, as opposed to asynchronous eLearning, so that any kind of miscommunication and the possibility of misunderstanding of a lecture can be eliminated.
- The cost is significantly less. You can get in touch with the world’s biggest scholars and experts via emails. This was not possible before the times of the internet.
- The online real-time courses are relatively cheaper, as compared to the ones offered in educational institutes.
- The learners have a larger room for improvements, as opposed to asynchronous eLearning.
Disadvantages
- Due to different time zones, it can become difficult for the learners and instructors to be online at the same time.
- One of the biggest challenges in eLearning comes from technological issues. An unforeseeable connectivity issue can occur, disrupting the entire pace of learning.
- As it is strictly technology-based, individuals with less knowledge can encounter issues in navigating through the whole process.
- Synchronous eLearning requires socializing through online forums. Both learners and instructors need to have social skills to communicate ideas and feedbacks.
2. Asynchronous eLearning
Predominantly, asynchronous eLearning is self-paced. The learners are allowed to pause and resume the process whenever they want.
If you have an already busy schedule, work during the weekdays, and have no energy to take classes.
Then this is the perfect way for you. Don’t put off taking the course you always wanted. Asynchronous eLearning allows you to take online lectures with flexibility.
In this type of eLearning, learners and instructors cannot be online at the same time.
The various technologies involved in this type of learning are blogs, eBooks, DVDs, CDs, videos, online courses (with flexible hours), Wikipedia, etc.
The learners can take assessment tests, access the resource material, and communicate with the instructors at their own chosen pace.
This category of eLearning does not require attendance at a previously scheduled time or immediate feedback.
People with packed schedules find this type of learning quite helpful. Additionally, asynchronous eLearning can be done without paying a dime.
So, if you are a student and looking for an extra set of skills, but don’t want to invest any money, then this type of learning provides you with the perfect opportunity.
Just like synchronous eLearning, asynchronous also comes with both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
- The hours are flexible and it is completely up to the convenience of the learners.
- The learners can also decide in what order they want to learn.
- Learners can take as much time as they need to reflect on their progress.
- This is perfect for those who don’t want to socialize or lack social skills, as asynchronous eLearning does not involve active participation.
Disadvantages
- Learners may find it difficult to download large files due to data plan issues.
- Because of the lack of feedback, there is a huge possibility of misunderstanding the material.
- There are no personal interactions, which can result in a lack of motivation in the learners.
- The learners need to manage and maintain their goals or learning as it requires time management and constant motivation.
Conclusion
Synchronous and asynchronous eLearning is the new way of acquiring knowledge and the set of skills you never thought you could.
This has now become possible with the help of the internet. Synchronous eLearning allows the users to take online lectures, video conferences, receive feedback and interact with the instructors.
On the other hand, asynchronous eLearning is a self-paced process. Learners can access the material whenever and wherever they want.
Hopefully, by now you have understood the difference between both categories and are ready to choose the one that suits you the most.
Ivan Pertti
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I remember reading an article that only 20 or 30% of people can learn online. As convenient as it is in some ways, learning is better done offline in a special atmosphere. Online learning is a new chapter in our lives and we just aren’t genetically adapted to it yet.