Getting in Synch with College Online

Going the Distance for Education

Are you ready to begin a distance education program, but you've encountered a couple of words you never seen before? Let this be your guide to synchronous versus asynchronous online education and training, and find out why you should know the difference.

Together Again and Still Apart

Online training and distance education can be delivered as either a synchronous or asynchronous interaction. Simply put synchronous learning is done in real-time (your classes are at set times) and asynchronous is done over an elapsed period of time (your classes are whenever you decide to access them). Online training or distance education programs might use one method exclusively or some combination of both. Knowing whether your chosen program uses asynchronous, synchronous, or a combination can play a role in the success of your college experience online.

Synchronous Distance Education

Synchronous learning brings students and an instructor together at the same time in order to communicate in real-time. Synchronous college courses online feature a number of high-tech tools to enhance the learning process, from chat to video.

Education on Time Delay

Asynchronous distance education has very little, if any, interaction with your fellow students or course instructors in real time, though you may have interaction through email, message boards, or by phone. Most of the communication happens over the course of hours or in some cases, days.
The primary tools for asynchronous online training are email and forum posting, but some programs do offer video or Web-based testing or assessment, as well. The obvious allure of such a program is that it allows the student to work at his or her own pace and at times that are convenient, whether that means 6 AM or midnight.

Getting Your College Degree Online

Some people think that the best programs combine the benefits of synchronous and asynchronous online training--you get to interact with students and instructors in real-time, yet can work at a speed that suits your schedule. But the best program is really the program that's right for you--one that meets your needs and goals.
If you're considering getting your college degree online or pursuing online training to further your career, find out how courses are delivered. It could make a big difference in how successfully you experience distance education.
Source:
Park Associates

Edward Castro is a freelance writer specializing in new technology, entertainment, and the World Wide Web. He currently assists entrepreneurs in using the Web.