Maaike 1. (A)synchronous learning

Within the concept of e-learning, you may have heard of synchronous and asynchronous learning. What do these terms mean?

What do you already know about (a)synchronous learning?

Are the following statements true or false?

Synchronous learning refers to a learning moment when a group of learners are learning at the same time. This can be both offline and online. The instructor and learners can be physically (offline) in the same location, for example in a training room. Or they can be in the same location digitally (online), for example in a webinar.

Asynchronous learning is the opposite of synchronous learning: the learning moment in asynchronous learning does not fall at the same time for everyone. Learners can undertake an offline learning activity, for example reading a book or article. Or they can perform an online learning activity, for example going through an online module.

The emphasis in synchronous learning lies on direct interaction & feedback between the instructor and the learners, as well as between the learners themselves (if it concerns a learning moment with multiple participants).

Interaction (e.g. via a forum, Padlet, etc.) and feedback (e.g. via e-mail, recorded voice message, etc.) can still take place in asynchronous learning, but not immediately, as the instructor and other learners are not necessarily present at the same time.