My Expectations and Concerns Regarding Facilitating both Synchronous and Asynchronous Formats.

I am very happy to have started the second course ONTL651 Facilitating Online Learning. I am happy to be closer to earning my Online Teaching Certificate.

During this course, I will have the opportunity to experience facilitating online learning for one week in both synchronous and asynchronous formats. I will write about my expectations and concerns regarding this upcoming experience as a facilitator.

In today’s busy world we have the emergence and fast-paced evolution of distance learning and facilitators must balance the need for any time, any place activities with the necessity of teaching team dynamics and f2f communications.

What is Asynchronous Learning?
According to wikipedia: Asynchronous learning is a teaching method using the asynchronous delivery of training materials or content using computer network technology. It is an approach to providing technology-based training that incorporates learner-centric models of instruction. The asynchronous format has been in existence for quite some time; however, new research and strategies suggest that this approach can enable learners to increase knowledge and skills through self-paced and self-directed modules completed when the learner is prepared and motivated to learn.

I know that many of us enrolled in online courses enjoy being able to work at our pace and at our own time. I have met many individuals who have completed degrees thanks to the online format. These same individuals would have never been able to continue with their education with traditional classes. By taking online courses these individuals are able to receive their degrees and go on to get better paying jobs that bring them the satisfaction they were looking for.

Combining asynchronous individual assignments with minimally structured, synchronous, collaborative assignments will increase the level of learning achieved by students.

Multimedia Industry leaders have advised us that the foremost skill lacking in recent nation-wide graduates is the ability to work in teams. (Karen Hardin)
This situation is critical because teamwork is very important in our lives. We have to learn to work together for various reasons. I believe that this helps us grow as individuals.

According to wikipedia: Teamwork is the concept of people working together cooperatively as a team in order to accomplish the same goals/objectives.

What is Synchronous Learning? Synchronous Learning refers to a group of people learning the same things at the same time in the same place. This is the type of pedagogy practiced in most schools and undergraduate programs, but not in graduate programs. Lecture is an example of synchronous learning. However, with the advent of web conferencing tools, people can learn at the same time in different places as well.

In my opinion, real-time communication technologies like videoconferencing require synchronous interactions, which rob users of one of the most valuable qualities of web-based networking: the ability to time shift to interact with others whether or not they are online with you at the same time. E-mail, blogs, and wikis all allow for time-shifted interactions. Online chat rooms and virtual communities such as Second Life require you be there at the same time as those with whom you are communicating.

I personally see one of the big advantages of virtual education and learning is that you can do things on demand, when you want to. I believe that chatting and videoconferencing have a place. I think there is an advantage for students to be able to work on their own terms, whenever and wherever they are.

The idea of forcing a synchronous model, where everyone is on at the same time, well, that’s what a traditional classroom is for; In my opinion it is very difficult to do because employers are not too happy when you have to stop working to meet with your online class.

In my opinion, being able to experience both synchronous and asynchronous formats will be very interesting. I have always said that I am willing to experience new things, but facilitating in these two formats will be quite challenging for many of us. I do know that it is to our advantage that we get well prepared to be able to face whatever comes our way as future online facilitators. One of my biggest concerns will be with the synchronous format because of time constraints. I like the flexibility that asynchronous format brings. I will just have to wait and see.

Your comments and suggestions are always welcomed.