Learn synchronously or asynchronously? To ensure your further education is a complete success, you should know the difference! In this article, we explain to you the special features of these two forms of learning.
In further education, we often stumble upon the terms: Synchronous and asynchronous learning. The differences are not always immediately clear.
However, once you are aware of the differences between synchronous and asynchronous learning, you can design your training and educational measures more effectively and achieve even better learning outcomes!
Synchronous or asynchronous: Communication decides in learning
The biggest difference between both forms of learning lies in the type of communication 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 a face-to-face training in a real room or a video conference in a virtual (online) space.
Advantage: When questions arise, participants can directly ask their questions 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. Participants can therefore learn independently of the trainer when the required teaching materials are available online or offline.
Advantage: Your participants can set 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 have advantages: Asynchronous learning formats are especially preferred by users who feel pressured in face-to-face 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 forms of learning. This, however, does not mean that you have to commit to one form of learning for your educational measures.
Combine synchronous and asynchronous learning!
With blended learning – the combination of face-to-face and e-learning – you can combine synchronous and asynchronous learning methods! It is particularly popular to accompany in-person events with online courses. Online, the participants learn asynchronously (i.e., completely self-directed), while they can ask questions and do exercises for practical transfer during the synchronous face-to-face part. Through repetition and application in two ways, the new knowledge is better anchored in memory – and the learning effect increases!
