Asynchronous and Synchronous (learning tools) facilitate the creation and management of sophisticated World Wide Web (WWW) -based technology. According to David Jonassen, asynchronous communication is becoming more common than synchronous communication. It is important to communicate knowledge or skills in both face-to-face and asynchronous audiences that produces high levels of content retention, understanding, and satisfaction. The following tools may assist in developing strategies for technology-based learning.
Synchronous discussion tools provide live, interactive, real time communication and are set at specific times. Students and instructors collaborate/interact through live voice and video in a fixed time and space (same time but different place).
The following Synchronous and Asynchronous charts from UNCW EDUCATION have been modified to exhibit technology tool links that may be useful in a learning environment.
Synchronous Tools:
| Tool | Useful for | Example Technologies |
| Audio conferencing | Discussions and dialogue | Horizon Wimba, Second Life, Livestream |
| Web conferencing | Sharing presentations and information | Horizon Wimba, Second Life Oovoo Livestream |
| Video conferencing | In-depth discussions with higher-touch interactions | Horizon Wimba Oovoo |
| Chat | Information sharing of low-complexity issues | Wimba, AIM, Skype, Yahoo Messenger, Second Life |
| Instant messaging | Ad hoc quick communications | Wimba Pronto, AIM, Skype, Yahoo Messenger, or Second Life Aim |
| White boarding | Co-development of ideas | Horizon , Wimba |
| Application sharing | Co-development of documents | Horizon, Wimba |
http://www.ecollege.com/Synchronous_eLearning.learn
White Board Tool: ClassLive Pro is an enhanced version of Pearson College’s whiteboard tool. This synchronous learning communication tool supports two-way voice over the Internet protocol (VoIP) and live video for dynamic class discussions online. ClassLive Pro allows instructors and students to see and hear each other using standard multimedia hardware. In this way, instructors can engage an entire online class. This interactive synchronous learning tool also supports full application sharing for hands-on training and demonstrations.
The attached following link illustrates High Definition Synchronous Distance Learning in schools. This tool allow an instructor to teach a class to distance students in different schools and places.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GchoM1Ptttg
Asynchronous learning tools are flexible and allow communication collaborationdifferent times and from different places. Activities are done at the students own time, place, and pace (different time and different place).
Asynchronous Tools:
Tool | Useful for | Example Technologies |
| Discussion boards | Dialogue that takes place over a period of time | Blackboard (or any LMS; sometimes called VLE or Virtual Learning Environment). ecollege (LMS). Google docs (using the comment feature as we have been doing in class). convinceme.com Wikis (wikispaces) Google sites also offer free wiki creation. Multiple users build and edit the content. Allows for creation of discussion threads also. Educational wiki example |
| Web logs (Blogs) | Sharing ideas and comments | Blogger Podcasting more on podcasting |
| Messaging (e-mail) | One-to-one or one-to-many communications | Gmail or university e-mail |
| Streaming video | Communicating or teaching | I-tunes U screencastomatic |
| Narrated slideshows | Communicating or teaching | Camtasia |
| "Learning objects" (Web-based training) | Teaching and training | Skillport, |
| Document libraries | Managing resources | Blackboard |
| Web books | Teaching and training | Skillport |
| Surveys and polls | Capturing information and trends | Select Survey or Webmonkey |
| Shared Calendars | Coordinating activities | Sharepoint |
| Web site links | Providing resources and references | www.blackboard.com , Seaport |
The following link illustrates on-line collaborative learning in a classroom.
Asynchronous Collaborative Link
Common Uses of Asynchronous Discussion Boards (Used on LMS’ such as Blackboard, Ecollege, Mypath, Sakai, etc.)
- Virtual Classroom
- Debate
- Role Play
- Simulation
- Knowledge base construction
- Long distance Learning/e-learning
- Social learning
- Collaborative learning/communication
- Active learning
- Responding to messages
- Problem solving
- Analytical thinking/ Higher Order Thinking
No comments:
Post a Comment