Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Classes: What’s the Difference?

Synchronous classes run in real time, with students and instructors attending together from different locations. Asynchronous classes run on a more relaxed schedule, with students accessing class materials during different hours and from different locations.

Online classes fall into two categories — synchronous and asynchronous — each of which aligns with different students’ interests, personalities, and learning styles. This page explores these two types of online delivery, breaking down their advantages and disadvantages to help students find the best match for them.

Synchronous learning allows students to engage with class materials at the same time as their peers as long as they can connect to the internet. This delivery type provides learners with a structured and immersive learning environment without the worry and stress of travel.

Synchronous classrooms use web and videoconferencing technologies — like Google Meet, Google Hangouts, or Zoom — to create learning spaces. Teachers may choose synchronous delivery over asynchronous formats because the format allows a more conversational approach, especially if the material requires instant feedback and discussion.

Synchronous online classes run similar to traditional classes, with attendance, lectures, and discussion periods. Students typically attend and participate via webcam or livestream forum and may move into smaller virtual rooms for group work or a teacher’s office hours. Instructors can physically demonstrate specific problems or processes and ask questions as they go.

Synchronous classrooms incorporate interactive components, like chat rooms, polls, surveys, and shared documents. Online classrooms may not provide the same opportunities for visibility as in-person classes, but students can stand out by showing themselves online and participating thoughtfully while following synchronous classroom etiquette.

Asynchronous classes offer learners the flexibility to study in a self-paced manner. While most asynchronous classes still have submission deadlines, students can connect with materials, peers, and instructors on their own schedules, often over an extended period of time. Teachers may prescribe an order of operations for the materials, but learners can often choose how much or how little time they spend in each area.

Asynchronous online classrooms use forums and message boards to keep a running dialogue between participants. They also incorporate self-guided lessons, workshops, and shared files. Many students find asynchronous environments more comfortable for certain types of learning, though participation expectations may actually be higher in this format than in others.

In asynchronous online classes, students can access their studies on their own schedules. Teachers may mark attendance in different ways, such as by tracking who watched the lecture or posting comprehension quizzes. More interactive lessons can require learners to answer polls or click buttons, which also tells the instructor who has engaged with the content.

An asynchronous class allows learners to digest material in different ways: Students can dedicate more time to challenging content and breeze through lighter content. Since teachers cannot evaluate a student’s readiness in person, online participation plays a large role in asynchronous classrooms. This delivery mode also requires a great deal of self-motivation and proactiveness, especially if a student is having trouble with a topic.

Which is the right class style depends entirely on the individual learner. Prospective students should first consider their schedules, as those who work unconventional hours — like military service people, ROTC cadets, or night-shift workers — might find asynchronous classes more accomodating. Students with unorthodox sleep schedules may find value in asynchronous learning as well, whereas learners with poor time management skills might not.

Aspiring online students should carefully consider their own learning style and personality type. Where social learners might benefit from synchronous environments, solitary students might prefer asynchronous ones. Moreover, extroverted personalities can thrive in synchronous classes, while introverted personalities can succeed in asynchronous courses.

Finally, online learners should consider their field of interest. Certain majors or classes may work better in synchronous or hybrid environments. If students wish to fast-track their training, asynchronous classes might be best. For those looking for a more immersive college experience, synchronous training might work better.

For many students, an asynchronous class provides flexibility and accessibility. Working professionals and busy students can complete their studies without disrupting their schedules.

In addition to schedule flexibility, asynchronous learning allows for self-paced and self-directed learning. Students can spend as much time as they need with material, and they can think about and edit their thoughts before participating online.

Both synchronous and asynchronous classrooms offer advantages and disadvantages. Degree-seekers should consider their own learning styles and educational interests when choosing the most suitable delivery method.

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