Learn synchronously or asynchronously? To ensure that your further education is a complete success, you should know the difference! In this article, we explain the special features of these two learning forms.

In further education, we often stumble upon the terms: Synchronous and asynchronous learning. What the differences are is not always immediately clear.

But when you are aware of the differences between synchronous and asynchronous learning, you can structure your training and educational measures more purposefully and achieve even better learning outcomes!

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Synchronous or asynchronous: Communication determines learning

The biggest difference between both learning forms lies in the way communication takes place between participants and trainers:

Synchronous learning

For synchronous learning, it is important that trainers and participants come together at the same time. This can be both an in-person training in a real room and a video conference in a virtual (online) space.

Advantage: When questions arise, participants can ask their questions directly to the trainer.

Examples include:

• In-person training

• Live webinars

• Virtual classrooms

Asynchronous learning

Characteristic of asynchronous learning is that communication and interaction can take place with a time delay. The participant can therefore learn independently of the trainer when the necessary teaching materials are available online or offline.

Advantage: Your participants can determine their own learning pace and repeat learning content as often as they like.

Examples include:

• Micro learning

• WBT (Web Based Training)

• Online learning platforms

Both synchronous and asynchronous learning has advantages: Asynchronous learning forms are particularly preferred by users who feel pressured in in-person courses and need more time for reflection and elaboration of learning content. Synchronous learning, on the other hand, promotes active exchange and encourages discussion of the topics discussed.

As you can see, there are different methods of further education for both learning forms. This does not mean that you have to commit to one learning form for your further education measures.

Combine synchronous and asynchronous learning!

With blended learning – the combination of in-person and e-learning – you can combine synchronous and asynchronous learning methods! It is particularly popular to accompany in-person events with online courses. Online, participants learn asynchronously (completely self-directed), while in the synchronous in-person part, they can ask questions and do exercises for practical transfer. Through repetition and application in two ways, the new knowledge is better anchored in memory – and the learning effect increases!

Would you like to learn more about how to combine synchronous and asynchronous learning units as blended learning? Then feel free to check out our free overview of the most popular blended learning models:

The most popular models in blended learning

Would you like to start with synchronous or rather with asynchronous learning units? Depending on the framework conditions of your training, different models are suitable. Take a look at an overview of the most popular models for orientation!

To the free overview of blended learning models

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