Navigate 1.1.1 – Delineating Between Synchronous and Asynchronous Content Quest
Asynchronous
The refers to learning that takes place when the teacher and student are not communicating live in real time. Most of our online learning takes place asynchronously as student navigate the content independently. They view their feedback after we have given it. This is one reason that detailed feedback is so important. I wish that Brightspace had the feature to allow annotated grading on dropbox assignments. I have seen this feature in other LMS. It allows the teacher to, for example, write directly on the student's work, circulating mistakes, writing comments. This is how we grade on paper! It would be so much more beneficial for our students. In the meantime, detailed feedback is essential.
Synchronous
Synchronous learning refers to learning that take place in real time between student and teacher. Here at GAVS, we offer synchronous session in the form of office hours. During these office hours, student can drop in to ask questions and/or the teacher can prepare a lesson to go over with the students. (These can be recorded to provide additional asynchronous learning.) I ask my students to email me before our SLS to let me know if there are specific topics they need help with. That way I can prepare the session ahead of time. If no one emails, I usually just have standard office hours. In addition I might prepare a specific topic and invite students to attend based on that specific topic. For example, I offer a session specifically on the format of the AP Chemistry Exam. I also offer tips for the exam during this session. Here is a recording of this session from Spring 2015.
Even though email is usually asynchronous, I often use email in real time with my students. We use it more like a chat session. They email me with a specific question, and if I catch it in time (as I always have my email open in a tab while I am working), I will respond immediately. This often initiates a synchronous chat where I can help students solve problems.
The refers to learning that takes place when the teacher and student are not communicating live in real time. Most of our online learning takes place asynchronously as student navigate the content independently. They view their feedback after we have given it. This is one reason that detailed feedback is so important. I wish that Brightspace had the feature to allow annotated grading on dropbox assignments. I have seen this feature in other LMS. It allows the teacher to, for example, write directly on the student's work, circulating mistakes, writing comments. This is how we grade on paper! It would be so much more beneficial for our students. In the meantime, detailed feedback is essential.
Synchronous
Synchronous learning refers to learning that take place in real time between student and teacher. Here at GAVS, we offer synchronous session in the form of office hours. During these office hours, student can drop in to ask questions and/or the teacher can prepare a lesson to go over with the students. (These can be recorded to provide additional asynchronous learning.) I ask my students to email me before our SLS to let me know if there are specific topics they need help with. That way I can prepare the session ahead of time. If no one emails, I usually just have standard office hours. In addition I might prepare a specific topic and invite students to attend based on that specific topic. For example, I offer a session specifically on the format of the AP Chemistry Exam. I also offer tips for the exam during this session. Here is a recording of this session from Spring 2015.
Even though email is usually asynchronous, I often use email in real time with my students. We use it more like a chat session. They email me with a specific question, and if I catch it in time (as I always have my email open in a tab while I am working), I will respond immediately. This often initiates a synchronous chat where I can help students solve problems.