Asynchronous Environments in Online Courses

Abstract

Asynchronous e-learning environments can be used effectively to minimize the effects of access problems and technical disruptions that may arise due to the fact that synchronous e-learning environments require simultaneous participation. Asynchronous e-learning provides learners with the opportunity to think more in the process of constructing knowledge and critical thinking in online discussion activities. Having more time for learners can provide an advantage in understanding others' comments and writing their own. The course contents can be updated at any time and delivered to the learners quickly without wasting time. However, there is limited communication and interaction. It is important that the interaction is at a good degree, with the right methods and tools in a quality that will ensure and increase learning, and that the interaction tools are prepared and presented in a way that will increase the participation of the learners, taking into account the preferences and individual differences of the learners.

Learners’ Experiences in an Online Learning Environment: An Analysis of the Impact of International Collaboration

“…First, in regard to RQ1, interviewees consistently indicated that asynchronous methods were most effective for ensuring the development of cognitive goals in the course—this is consistent with prior work that suggests the benefits of asynchronous learning on academic achievement (Mercimek & Çaka, 2022) and provides the first evidence of this in an international collaboration context. Second, synchronous methods did help to provide interviewees with social connection that helped benefit social presence in the course, an effect consistent with research on synchronous methods and social presence (Hollebeek et al, 2021)—interviewees also commented on the benefits of increased cultural awareness which was developed via asynchronous methods, revealing another potential benefit of this approach, although this is likely to be most commonly found in international contexts and will, presumably, not generalize to non-international settings.…”

“…As noted by Varkey et al (2023), asynchronous learning is most effectively structured when it incorporates discussion forums, timely formative assessments (to ensure students are on the right ''path'' toward overall learning), and a wide range of multimedia tools (e.g., videos, PowerPoints). Benefits of asynchronous communication may include the convenience of time and place, the opportunity for creating a more equitable learning space, and an opportunity for learners to reflect on course content (Ellis, 2001;Mercimek & C xaka, 2022). Research has also suggested that asynchronous learning may be beneficial for EFL (English as a Foreign Language) students, who may be traversing the added difficulty of a language barrier (Basri et al, 2021), as well as for distance learning students, who appear to show better learning outcomes in some cases than those in face-toface courses (Bernard et al, 2004).…”

Enhance adult students' online knowledge construction: Exploring effective instructional designs and addressing barriers

“…The online discussion serves as a vital channel for online collaborative learning (Darabi et al, 2010; Mercimek & Çaka, 2022; Şahin et al, 2020; Sun & Gao, 2017). Through interactive discussions, students can reorganize their concepts, compare views with others, revise ideas, and develop previously unexplored thoughts (Liu & Yin, 2006).…”

Asynchronous Learning Method: Prospects and Challenges Among Undergraduate Students at Higher Islamic Institution in Indonesia

“…In the case of asynchronous learning, I may have to pay attention on internet data plan, in case of run out of data plan, I have to go to my friend's house who has Wi-Fi, or my elder sister (Participant 3, DU: 34, 36) In asynchronous learning, lecturers are having difficulty creating meaningful interaction with students as pointed out by. However, recent studies have provided and suggested some strategies to maximize the learning method by incorporating active learning, learning management system, and collaboration tools that focus on best practices and empathic learning environment Jimenez & O'Neill, (2021); Mahoney & Hall, (2020); Mercimek & Çaka, (2022); Waltemeyer & Cranmore, (2019). In the previous discussion, it is stated that the majority of spaces in student-lecturer interaction in asynchronous learning are filled with quizzes and assignments.…”