1. Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning<br />Asynchronous learning allows the learner to determine the pace, location, and time instruction to occur. Examples: traditional homework, computer-based learning or online courses, discussion boards, discussion threads or posting, research, course assignments or projects, wiki development and participation, blogging, and web quests.<br />Synchronous learning is instructor-led, training in a computer-mediated environment, with multiple geographically located participants at the same time. Examples: traditional or virtual classroom, virtual lecture, video conference, chat board, wikis, interactive learning management system, or various collaborative tools. <br />Comparison and Contrast of Synchronous and Asynchronous e-LearningSynchronous e-LearningAsynchronous e-LearningComputer –mediated learning environmentsInstructional programs delivered on a computerInstructor-ledWeb-based, self-paced, self-study Method nearest to classroom-style learningParticipants follow preferred sequence of topicsReal-time method Participants interact with others through e-mail, online discussion groups and online bulletin boardsParticipants engaged at the same time in an instructional eventThese programs can be taken at any time by anyone; participants can take short breaks without the risk of missing valuable informationLive interaction between students and instructors via chat postings and a common electronic black or whiteboardStudy a particular topic more closely as well as skip over topicsMultiple geographically dispersed participantsCourse material is available when learner is prepared Comprises a growing share of on-line trainingMay or may not include options for synchronous or asynchronous communication with othersAka virtual classroom, remote live training, remote instructor-led trainingRequires frequent and relevant interactions to sustain attention and promote learningAdvantages- Convenience, reduced travel time and costs- Less time away from the job- Faster to develop and deploy training - Higher completions rates than self-study- Train a larger number at a lower cost- Real-time interaction - Collaborative learning activities- Comprises 25% of all corporate training (10K + employees) (Dolezalek, 2005; Gavin, 2002).Advantages- Convenience, reduced travel time and costs-Self-paced-Less mental load imposed on learners-Screen real estate benefits from relevant visuals-Comments are archived and organized by discussion and date-Learner controls parameters – time, locationDisadvantages-Technical challenges- Lack of interaction and engagement- Possible poor facilitation skillsDisadvantages-Lack of social presence, no face-to-face interaction -No frequent, relevant interaction to sustain attention-Lack of collaborative learning activitiesClark, R.C., Kwinn, A. (2007), The new virtual classroom, evidence-based guidelines for synchronous e-learning, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., P. 3-4, 6-9, 10-14, 249, 260.Clark & Mayer (2008), E-Learning and the Science of Instruction: Proven Guidelines for Consumers and Designers of Multimedia Learning, P.7, 75.<br />