Using a Synchronous Medium for this Topic

Start out the synchronous learning session by having learners share personal experiences with both asynchronous and synchronous learning in a live blog.  Using this activity initially helps the facilitator gauge students’ current understanding of the material and is considered a formative assessment (Finkelstein, 2006).  By reflecting on their own experiences, users will share some of the advantages and disadvantages, which provides a good springboard for presenting the topic.   After the initial discussion, present a webinar on the two learning modalities, allowing for continued student input in a chat room or voice to voice.     

Reference

Finkelstein, J. (2006). Learning in real time: Synchronous teaching and learning online.    
           San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

General Facilitation Tips

-          Give opportunities for students to connect and interact

-          Prepare for technology problems and have a backup plan

-      Be skilled at reading non verbal cues in place of body language 

Facilitating An Asynchronous Class

Asynchronous facilitators should: 

-          Monitor class posts to check for student progress

-          Identify and address any common questions learners have  

-          Post follow up instructions if necessary

-          Provide clear feedback and instructions as there is more possibility of misunderstandings and  less opportunity to clarify than in a synchronous setting   

-          Post new information to keep online discussion flowing

Facilitating A Synchronous Class

Synchronous facilitators should:

-          Closely observe classroom activities and check for understanding

-          Re-group to  clarify instructions if students misunderstand (Finkelstein, 2006)

-          Circulate throughout teams in breakaway rooms

-         Multitask: Monitor many students nearly simultaneously, note students who are not participating and engage those students

-     Allow learners to be autonomous when appropriate

Advantages and disadvantages of each type of learning

The advantages of Asynchronous Learning

Asynchronous learning is designed for students to have the flexibility needed for school. The flexibility is for most adult learners because it allows students to log in to the online learning environment at any time needed. Students do not have to be online at a certain time, only to post assignments before a specific deadline. This allows students to spend more time doing their work and making sure they have the time allotted to thurly complete each assignment without rushing.  This type of learning style allows students to focus on peer to peer relationships and self study. Students can have open class discussions through discussion boards, blogs, email and threads for new postings.

The disadvantages of Asynchronous learning

The disadvantages of Asynchronous learning are it is not for all adult learners. Most adult learners have been attending school for different reasons and might only be use to face-to-face interaction. Changing modalities can cause adult learners to have to adjust to not being able to receive instant feedback when needed. Most adult learners will feel secluded and miss the interaction with their peers in class. Learning the online environment technology might be challenging and requires more time that what is needed for the adult learner is willing to give.

The advantages of Synchronous Learning

Synchronous learning is similar to in class instruction for adult learners. It allows adult learners to have instant feedback from the instructor and peers in the classroom. Adult learners enjoy having instant feedback when they have a question and when feedback is given it allows them to move forward into the next question they might have.  Adults tend to ask more questions in class because the instructor will be able to clarify their problem. Adult learners tend to be more motivated in class because they can communicate and socialize with their peers and instructors.  Real time interaction with peers helps build momentum, motivation, encouragement and cohesion.  Face-to-face interaction is important with synchronous learning and having the ability to have a live virtual classroom type setting is also important for adult learners.

The disadvantages of Synchronous Learning

Face-to-face interaction isn’t always for every adult learner. Some adult learners do not like the live virtual learning and therefore, will not participate in class. Some adult leaners learn better within the online environment because they feel free to communicate openly without others seeing or knowing who they are. The freedom of speech and knowing they can voice their opinions without anyone seeing them in class.

Hello and welcome to Phoenix Learner, a blog spot dedicated to adult learners!  Phoenix Learner is not just one person, it is a learning team of adult learners/students from the University of Phoenix.  We are studying Adult Education & Training and are currently enrolled in AET 531 (Technology For The Adult Learner).

 This blog spot will carry all of our insights, adventures and even a few homework assignments!  You will get an opportunity to learn more about Adult Education and about incorporating technology into this dynamic field.  Adult learner, what’s that?! What is Web 2.0 technology? Can it really make a difference for adult learners?  These are just a few of the questions that you will find answers to. Phoenix Learner also welcomes your opinion on such interesting topics as Instructional Design, Adult Literacy and Educational Technology. Feel free to post a comment, offer a suggestion – or tell a friend.

Do you know other adults interested in Continuous Learning? Perhaps you yourself are interested in returning to school to earn that long-awaited Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree. Maybe you were told that you were “too old to go back to school”, or just didn’t know how to find an Adult Education Program that suited your on-the-go schedule. Believe it or not there are thousands of adult learners across the country – and globe! – who are returning to school. Some are going back to get their GED, earn a secondary degree or brushing up on skills to gain advancement in the workplace. Either way, all adults ARE adult learners!! Our blog posts will enlighten and hopefully answer questions and address concerns. We’ll also point you towards finding an Adult Ed program of your choice.