Learn synchronously or asynchronously? To make your further education a complete success, you should know the difference! In this article, we explain to you the special characteristics of these two learning formats.
In further education, we often stumble across the terms: Synchronous and asynchronous learning. The differences are 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 effectively and achieve even better learning outcomes!
Synchronous or asynchronous: Communication determines learning
The biggest difference between both learning formats lies in the way 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 both an in-person training in a real room, as well as 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. Participants can learn independently of the trainer when the necessary learning 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 have benefits: Asynchronous learning formats 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 stimulates discussion of the topics discussed.
As you can see, there are different methods of further education for both learning formats. This does not mean, however, that you must limit your educational measures to one learning format.
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. Participants learn asynchronously online (thus completely self-directed), while they can ask questions and do exercises for practical transfer in the synchronous in-person part. 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 take a look at our free overview of the most popular Blended Learning models:
