This document discusses and compares asynchronous and synchronous interactions for distance education. Asynchronous interactions do not occur in real time and allow temporal delays, like email and discussion boards. Synchronous interactions happen in real time with no delays, such as video conferencing and online chatting. Examples of each type are provided. The document also discusses using asynchronous and synchronous interactions to achieve learning objectives and gather learner feedback, and will use a graph to assess student test scores from each approach.

1. Asynchronous Versus SynchronousInteractions January 9 2011 Created by Miss Roxanne Wright For EDUC 8842  Principles of Distance Education Instructor: Dr. Leslie Moller

2. What Is Asynchronous Interaction? Asynchronous interactions are not real time. They are comprised of temporal delays in response time (Foreman, 2003). They have become the most widely used form of communication in the distance education interface.

3. What is Synchronous Interaction? Synchronous interactions or communications are known as “same time” or “real time” interactions (Foreman, 2003). This type of two-way communication takes place simultaneously and has no mandatory waiting period due to time, distance, or technology barriers (Foreman, 2003).

4. Examples of Asynchronous Interactions Some examples of asynchronous interactions/communications are Email threaded discussions Blogs delayed texting and media messaging webcasting, and social networking

5. Examples of Synchronous Interactions Some examples are face to face discussions real time texting two-way audio video conferencing Chatting online.

6. Demonstrate Asynchronous Interactions Will visually demonstrate asynchronous interactions

7. Demonstrate Synchronous Interactions Will visually demonstrate synchronous interactions

8. Learning Objectives Accomplished Using Asynchronous Interactions The learning objective will be the same. This part has not been established A lesson outline will be provided at a later date Assessment will also be designed and aligned with objectives

9. Learning Objectives Accomplished Using Synchronous Interactions The learning objective will be the same This part has not been established A lesson outline will be provided at a later date Assessment will also be designed and aligned with objectives

10. Learner Feedback: Asynchronous Survey results from this group Specific student feedback randomly selected

11. Learner Feedback: Synchronous Survey results from this group Specific student feedback randomly selected

12. Summary of Assessment Evaluation Will use a graph to depict test scores of students that participated in the asynchronous and synchronous delivery and participation to reach learning objective Will compare and contrast scores to determine degree of mastery per delivery and participation medium

13. Formal Introduction of Keynote Speaker

14. References Foreman, J. (2003, July/August). Distance Learning and Synchronous Interaction. The Technology Source. Retrieved from http://technologysource.org/article/distance_learning_and_synchronous_interaction/