Asynchronous vs. Synchronous Delivery

I have been doing quite a bit of reading this past week with regards to asynchronous vs. synchronous distance delivery. One thought that continues to come to mind is that there is not a right or wrong way of to deliver a course via distance.

Asynchronous delivery is the most common method used today for distance education. Defined as access to educational content is available at any time, and where interaction with one's peers and instructor is not accomplished in real-time. Synchronous delivery, on the other hand, is defined as receiving the content online but the interaction with peers and instructor are available in real-time (Pullen & Snow, 2007). Both methods have their advantages as well as disadvantages. It think that it comes down to the preferred method of the student as to which best meets their needs.

For me, I prefer the asynchronous delivery. I enjoy the fact that I do not have to be "plugged in" at a given time. Having said that, I have experienced asynchronous distance courses where I had no interaction with the professor as well as a synchronous course where I was "tied" to the computer for hours without a break. In the end, asynchronous delivery gives me the freedom to access my materials whenever I need them without worry. I have learned a great deal through this format and it has allowed me to reflect on the material before posting.

What works best for you? Asynchronous or synchronous?

Reference:
Pullen, M.J. & Snow. C. (2007). Integrating synchronous and asynchronous internet distributed education for maximum effectiveness. Educ Inf Technol, 12, 137-148.

I have been reading the assigned article about "Growing up with Google: What it Means to Education" and I came across a great idea. The article was talking about geotagging and its virtual uses for online scavenger hunts. At Mississippi State University, we have a new online Master of Science degree in Forestry. One of the first classes has an introduction to the university. The professor and I have discussed doing a scavenger hunt for various resources that the online students may need to know but may not think about since they are not on campus. I am thinking this would be an awesome way to introduce students to the MSU community. One compliant this that there is a disconnect for online students and the institution they attend because they are not physically there.

I think more research is needed to check this out. I'll let you know what I find out.
Jodi

Welcome!

Welcome to my Technology in Education blog. This is my first attempt at blogging so this should be interesting.

To tell you a little about myself: I am a Program Coordinator for Academic Outreach at Mississippi State University. My main responsibilities are to assist my assigned college in the design, development and implementation of their online degree programs.

I am taking this Technology in Education course as part of two graduate certificates offered through the University of Maryland University College distance education program. I hope that the information learned will help me help my partners better serve the students we teach.

I look forward to your comments!

Jodi