Everyone is mentioning how online education is shaping the world, but the challenge of keeping students engaged remains. Some learners struggle with self-paced courses, while others find scheduled live sessions difficult to attend. How do you create an online course that works for different learning styles?
In this article, we’ll explore synchronous or asynchronous learning, the benefits and struggles of each approach and how learning tools like MasterStudy LMS helps instructors implement both to create successful online courses.
What is Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning?
Let’s start by defining these two learning styles. Synchronous learning is a traditional way of teaching when students and instructors interact with each other at the same time, like in a classroom. This method is often used in schools, universities, and training centers. In the world of online education, examples can be found in live video classes using learning tools like Zoom or Google, real-time Q&A sessions, and group discussions.
Asynchronous learning is when students learn at their own pace, without real-time interaction with the instructor. Lessons are available through pre-recorded videos, reading materials, and quizzes. Communication happens with delays, such as through discussion boards or email.
For example, you can think about a live class on Zoom where students can ask questions in live chat instantly is synchronous learning. A recorded lecture that students can watch anytime is considered as asynchronous learning.
Which Learning Method is Best for Your Needs?
Each learning style has its strengths and weaknesses. The best choice for you depends on your learner’s goals, course objectives and situations. Let’s explore the pros and who benefits from each of them.
Advantages of Synchronous Learning:
- Real-time engagement: Students can interact with the presenter during the online class. They can ask questions about the concepts or things they do not understand and get answers immediately.
- Instant feedback: Instructors can check students’ understanding of the material and based on this information, adjust and improve their teaching.
- Better interaction: Encourages collaboration between students with group discussions and activities. During the class, a teacher can give a collaborative task which helps learners socialize and perform better.
- Improves communication skills: Students can practice speaking and presenting in a virtual environment. This is important because some learners struggle with public speaking and online presentation can be less stressful for them.
While synchronous learning has many pros for learners and teachers, there are some cons to it. For example, scheduling can be difficult, especially for students in different time zones. So students have to find the right time for their online classes. What’s more, some students face issues with internet connection and it interrupts the learning process.
Synchronous learning is best for students who need direct interaction with the teacher. It is beneficial for language learners who are just starting out and require real-time conversation practice. If you create a course that involves live discussions, or Q&A sessions you might also choose this teaching approach.
Advantages of Asynchronous Learning:
- Personalized learning: Students can learn at their own pace and in their preferred style. Some learners like to finish every lesson faster and others need more time. It means each student will have the flexibility in their learning.
- More time for understanding: Your learners will be able to review online classes and the included content like videos, or documents, multiple times. So they can take their time to absorb information and test their knowledge with assignments.
- Accessibility: The most beneficial part of asynchronous learning is that students can access the material from any part of the world using internet connection. It is convenient for people with full-time jobs, or different time zones.
This method lets students learn independently at their own pace and fully grasp the content. Who would benefit from asynchronous learning? Professionals who want to take online courses while working, and students who prefer self-paced learning. If you design a course that focuses on reading, research, or long-term projects, asynchronous learning is recommended to choose.
However, it also has challenges such as less direct interaction with teachers and classmates. Asynchronous learning requires strong self-motivation and time management skills. Plus, students might get delayed feedback from instructors because of timezone differences.
Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning: What to Choose?
Depending on your industry and objectives, you can choose the most suitable learning method. For example, corporate training might use a mix of both methods—live webinars for interactive sessions and recorded modules for self-paced learning. Coaching programs can use synchronous learning for personalized feedback, while online universities may prefer asynchronous courses for greater accessibility.
How to Combine Both Learning Styles for Better Performance
Many successful online courses use a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning. This approach is known as blended learning and helps balance real-time interaction with flexibility.
How to effectively mix both methods:
- Use live sessions for Q&A, discussions, or workshops, and provide recorded versions for those who missed them.
- Allow students to submit assignments at their own pace while having scheduled live feedback sessions.
- Offer discussion forums where students can ask questions asynchronously but also schedule live office hours for real-time support.
By combining these methods, learners can enjoy the best of both worlds—interactive sessions when needed and self-paced learning for better understanding.
How to Use Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning in MasterStudy LMS
MasterStudy LMS plugin features learning tools to support both teaching styles. It makes creating engaging online courses easier for instructors.
Synchronous Learning in MasterStudy LMS
You will find features to create livestream, and webinars with Zoom, and Google Meet integration. The LMS platform supports real-time sessions with students and lets them ask questions in a live chat.
The LMS platform allows instructors to make lessons more interactive so learners can actively participate. They can help students fully understand lesson material and answer their questions. As a result, students get immediate feedback from instructors, review their own mistakes, and can perform better in the future.
Asynchronous Learning in MasterStudy LMS
You can record and edit videos before uploading them to your lessons. MasterStudy LMS plugin for WordPress supports high-quality educational content including various formats of audio, video content for students to access anytime.
Quizzes and assignments are essential for effective online learning. In MasterStudy LMS, you can use multiple evaluation tools to test students’ knowledge and track learning progress throught the whole course or for each assignment. There is an automated system for grading students, and comprehensive reports feature.
Moreover, discussion forums let students communicate with the teacher and each other, and share tips. It helps learners to get along which leads to improved social atmosphere. With the drip content feature, you can schedule your lessons to be released gradually. It helps students follow the structured path. Plus, the LMS plugin now allows you to set a required video progress and use strict mode so learners have to complete a video before continuing with the next lesson.
Course creators can easily set up synchronous and asynchronous learning in a way that suits their students’ needs and course objectives. You can ensure a flexible and effective online learning experience.
Conclusion
Both synchronous and asynchronous learning methods have their place in online education. While synchronous learning offers real-time engagement, asynchronous learning provides flexibility and accessibility. The right choice depends on the course objectives and student preferences.
By using learning tools like LMS plugins, educators can combine both approaches to create a well-rounded and engaging learning experience. If you’re running a live workshop, or offering self-paced lessons, the WordPress Education plugin has the features to deliver effective online education.
Build your online course today with MasterStudy LMS and create a learning experience that truly works for your students!
