You can see that asynchronous learning represents a big difference between online and traditional education. Though you may complete coursework on your own schedule, few traditional schools allow you to show up when it’s convenient. On the other hand, most online programs assume that you will work when it’s convenient, while submitting assignments according to the prescribed schedule.
Synchronous (real-time) learning
The other option in online learning, which has grown by leaps and bounds recently, is synchronous learning. Think about the explosion of online meetings, online webinars, and opportunities to look at other people while not being in the same physical space. In this situation, you’re provided a schedule of times to be available and explicit instructions concerning the software you need to connect with others.
Real-time synchronous learning most closely approximates traditional education; the meeting time is specific. Courses and companies use synchronous time in a few different ways:
Some instructors require classes to meet so that they can lecture in real time. This also allows them to interact with students and determine whether students are following along in class.
Many companies have moved training online as synchronous learning. What may have been a face-to-face meeting is now a web conference.
Some instructors host online office hours or informal times when they’re available to answer student questions. These instructors may not have a specific agenda for that time, but are open to whatever the student needs.
As we discuss in Chapter 13, you may be involved in a group project. A synchronous meeting is an excellent method to get a lot of work done in short order.
Keep in mind that these synchronous or scheduled meetings don’t require you to be in the same physical place. Though you may have to get online at a certain time, you can do so from the comfort of your home, office, or hotel room. And, you can wear your pajamas if you want to, and no one will be the wiser (unless you stand up and walk away from the screen while your webcam is on)!
Zoom: https://zoom.us
Microsoft Teams: Available as part of Microsoft Office 365
Google Meet: https://meet.google.com/
GoToMeeting: www.gotomeeting.com
WebEx: www.webex.com
No loafing!
One surprise that online learners report has to do with not being able to loaf or fade into the background in an online course. Face it: In a traditional course, you could go to class, sit in the back of the room, and never utter a word. The teacher may or may not know you’re present. In an online course, that’s not likely. Chances are good that an instructor is tracking your logins and the quality and quantity of your discussion postings. If you don’t log in for a time, many instructors will come looking for you. You’ll receive an email or possibly a phone call asking about your inactivity.
Who Benefits from Online Learning?
Ask a few of the 6.3 million students who took online classes at a college or university in 2016, and they will tell you about the substantial benefits of online learning. Yes, you read that number correctly! In fact, the Babson Survey Research Group, along with their partners the Sloan Consortium, Pearson and Tyton, also states that more than two-thirds of all institutions offer some type of online course. Business is booming, but who is enrolling? This section explains what kinds of learners find online classes advantageous.
Adults beyond traditional college age
If you’re working, raising a family, or trying to manage many different roles, chances are that you feel a little stretched when it comes to time. Busy adults, such as the ones in the following sections, flock to online courses because they can determine when and where to study.
Professionals enhancing their careers
Want to move ahead in your career? Earning an advanced degree or picking up courses that directly relate to your job can help you do so. Not only do you acquire the knowledge and skills you need, but employers will also label you as being much more motivated than the average worker. Consider these examples:
Sandra’s boss wanted to move company sales online, but no one in the office understood how to manage web pages and the Internet. Sandra enrolled in a series of online courses at the local community college and became a valued asset in her office.
Karl worked as an engineer for a freight train line. His job took him all over the continent and made it difficult to enroll in a traditional class. Because he wanted to move into a managerial role, online classes fit his lifestyle perfectly. He was able to complete a degree and stay on track!
Caryn earned a masters in nursing online while working as a surgical nurse at a local hospital. Her additional degree made it possible for her to teach nursing courses and supervise others. That meant more money!
Michael was a successful mortgage seller but wanted to branch into human resources. Although he had taken college courses, he hadn’t yet earned his bachelor’s degree. Finishing his degree online allowed him to look for work in his field of interest as competitively as any other graduate.