activ8positivity: Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Distance Learning Activities

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Collaboration Versus Participation

Active, participatory collaboration has transformed our classrooms online and in real life.

Instructors have many choices to make while considering which online tools to use, and when to use them. The tools that are built into the problem-solving process must provide the learners with ways to leverage their ideations to reach conclusions that promote higher critical thinking both individually, as well as collaboratively.

Problem solving can be a messy process; there is no clear-cut path from A to B when multiple perspectives are being considered. Roger Martin, author and Dean of Rotman School of Management, says that (instructional) design involves “integrative thinking: the ability to exploit opposing ideas or constraints to create entirely new solutions.”

The process of designing the perfect eLearning course that is also highly personalized involves building in tools that allow for flexible learning. Flexibility includes the ability to take the course anywhere, at any time, and to have multiple ways to reach individual conclusions. Building in asynchronous and synchronous learning into the program also allows for flexibility to optimally leverage the student’s learning styles, time, and skill sets while building a sense of community within the group.

How do we design and implement content that will build comprehension collectively and collaboratively? Interactive instructional design involves thinking about the context in which it will be used. Effective designers observe the people who will be using the content. When we know how the learners need their content delivered, we know how to ask the questions through a variety of modalities and tools that are best suited to their preferred modalities, comfort levels, and background experiences.

Asynchronous Learning
The facilitator asks open-ended questions to inspire deeper thought about the concept being taught. Some tools to consider for asynchronous learning are videos, webinars, audio podcasts, eBooks (texts), infogr.am (graphs), qtrial.qualtrics.com (quizzes), and edudemic.com (games).

Synchronous Learning
Social media (e.g. Twitter, Face Book, Google Hangout, PinTrest, etc.) games, videos, quizzes, inter-active blogs, coding, discussion forums, instant messaging, are examples of ways that classmates connect with facilitators and peers to collaborate on ideas related to the content.
Thoughtful and meaningful exchanges drive critical thinking to reach new heights. Interest drives learning. The goal of the shared learning experience is for students learn more collectively than they could have individually.

Some tools to consider include icebreakers, cartoons, avatars, and interactive multiplayer games. Tools that may be implemented to guide learners to successful outcomes include video lectures, interactive quizzes, complete peer graded assessments, and multiple ways to connect with classmates and facilitators. The shared goal is to allow students to learn better – and faster.

In conclusion, no matter which learning activity or environment that you are planning for the first rule is to establish online etiquette.Everyone involved must be aware of and play by the rules before any synchronous sessions are held. According to Johns Hopkins University School of Education, Center for Technology,"Make sure everyone gets to voice their thoughts and opinions and that no one person dominates the conversation" (2010). Global learning includes multiple cultures, and multiple perspectives. All ideas are worth hearing, and equity must allows be considered. Active inquiry and continuous participation from a wide range of learners enriches the conversation, and enables learners to come to conclusions that would not be possible completing the project or coursework alone. Whether online, or in the real world, learning comes to life when everyone's voice is heard.

Pixar's Randy Nelson said,"The amplification you get by listening to a bunch of human beings interested in each other brings separate depth, that brings depth to the problem... bringing breath that gives them interest in the entire solution" (edutopia.org,2010). Collaboration can not be a synonym for participation. Collaboration is the depth, breath, and life of the learning experience.

Diana Stein
AET/541
March 31, 2014
Dr. Spear

Resources

Websites:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/massive-open-online-courses-transform-higher-education-and-science/

http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/more-high-school-students-in-florida-are-taking-advantage-of-massive-open/2151364

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FC5FbmsH4fw#t=102

http://infogr.am/

https://www.facebook.com/emergingtrendsandtechs?ref=stream

https://www.coursera.org/specialization/virtualteacher/10?utm_medium=listingPage

https://qtrial.qualtrics.com/WRQualtricsControlPanel/?T=3PbPKY

http://www.edudemic.com/games-in-education/

http://sjlibrary23.blogspot.com

http://olms.cte.jhu.edu/olms2/data/ck/sites/193/files/Synchronous%20vs%20Asynchronous%20Learning%20Activities.pdf