Summary of Delivery Medium

Why a blog was selected as the delivery medium

ü  Blogs have a voice and allow individuals to add their thoughts.

ü  Blogs bring attention to what the author is trying to state.

ü  Blogs have style and curation.  A blog can grab the reader’s attention just by the pictures and background.

ü  Good source to communicate the information in a somewhat informal manner.

ü  Will prepare team members for week # 5 individual and team assignments.

Why blog is an appropriate choice for the subject matter

ü  A blog allows for asynchronous interaction through encouraging opinion diversity and feedback within a class and outside sources.

ü  The blog also pertains to online learning and how to facilitate effectively as a facilitator in an online environment.

ü  A blog is a good source to communicate our ideas and be accessed those with internet capabilities.

ü  The blog is a good format for sharing of information and ideas among various individuals.

 How this mode of delivery could be applied to a teaching environment

ü  Students become proficient with the technology required for the course.

ü  Students use new methods of communication with both peers and instructors.

ü  Strengthens each student’s interdependency through collaboration with their peers.

ü  The facilitator will be able to reach a diversity of students and opportunity for reflection time.

ü  A blog can be used as a tool to provide students access to posted information and website links for resources and information.

ü  Students could also respond with their individual input in a less formal setting than the actual classroom or OLS.

An explanation of how the same topic might be presented using a synchronous medium

ü  The facilitator could use instant messaging and this would allow for instant feedback.

ü  The class could also chat in the classroom and use videoconferencing. This way there is less frustration in the class.

ü  A  PowerPoint presentation could be presented in a synchronous classroom environment such as “Go to Meeting” or “Go to Training” that would allow the facilitator to present the information visually and explain the information through an audio format. In addition, classroom discussion could be conducted while the presentation was taking place. This format allows for real time collaboration and more engagement between learners and facilitator.

Differences between the Facilitators and the Learners

ž  Asynchronous learning environments are best suited for learners or instructors that are:

Less social able and more introverted

Need more time for reflection

Have demanding schedules that require education schedules to be totally flexible

ž  Synchronous learning environments are best suited for learners or instructors that are:

More comfortable communicating in a social environment

Require less time to reflect before responding to questions

Have schedules that allow for set date & time to be online for classroom activities

Differences in Facilitation Strategies

ž  Synchronous instruction requires that instructor be more prepared to conduct class & communicate in real time

ž  Real time requirements of synchronous instruction requires more personality and presentation skills on the part of the instructor

ž  Since synchronous instruction is in real time, instructor needs to be more prepared since time for reflection is short

ž  Creating an environment for engagement & collaboration is easier in synchronous learning, therefore an asynchronous instructor needs to be more creative in creating engagement & collaboration

ž  Synchronous instruction requires more emphasis upon prompt feedback, and continually accessing mood in the classroom (this must be done in real time as classroom is taking place)

Disadvantages of Asynchronous Learning

ž  No real time discussions

ž  No live collaboration

ž  No Immediate feedback

ž  No real-time activities to increase motivation & engagement

ž  Accessibility to required technology / software

ž  Bandwidth capabilities can create problems

ž  Student’s confidence level with technology

ž  The student’s potential feeling of being disconnected from a group

ž  Greater potential for a disconnect between instructor & student

Advantages of Asynchronous Learning

ž  Flexibility of schedule, no set time or date that student needs to be online

ž  More time for learners & facilitators to complete responses which gives an opportunity for better use of critical thinking skills

ž  More time for reflection regarding the material

ž  More potential for personalized attention and guidance from instructor

ž  Cheaper costs since learners can be in various locations without the need to incur travel expenses

ž  Less social obstacles to learning

ž  Potential for more qualified instructors by eliminating location obstacles

ž  Real world experience

ž  Flexibility of schedule eliminates obstacles related to time zone issues

ž  More dominating students  have less impact upon the class than in real time discussions

Disadvantages of Synchronous Learning

ž  Less flexibility / student must participate at date & time selected by instructor

ž  Accessibility to required technology / software

ž  Time zone differences

ž  More dominating students may take over class discussions / less control for instructor

ž  Bandwidth capabilities can create problems

ž  Student’s confidence level with technology

Advantages of Synchronous Learning

ž  Student feels more connected to classmates & professor

ž  Real time discussions

ž  Interaction & live collaboration

ž  Immediate feedback

ž  Real-time activities increases motivation & engagement

ž  Cheaper costs since learners can be in various locations without the need to incur travel expenses

ž  Less social obstacles to learning

ž  Potential for more qualified instructors by eliminating location obstacles

ž  Real world experience

Welcome!!

Welcome to Learning Team D's Amazing Blog!!
You will find useful informaiton on Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning as well as:

• Advantages and Disadvantages
• Differences in Facilitation
• Differences between Facilitators
• Differences between the Learners