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What's the Difference Between Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning?

What's the Difference Between

Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning?
CATEGORY: LEARN

Juliana Scheiderer

As you research the right online program for you, you may come across the terms “asynchronous”
and “synchronous." You might not know what these words mean yet, but you’re probably already
considering your work schedule and other responsibilities and how well each program would fit into
your life. Are you able to log on and attend classes at specific times? Or is it more realistic for you to
complete work each week at times that suit you best – no matter if it’s 3 p.m. or 3 a.m.? And, how
do online classes even work?

Here's what you should know: Asynchronous online learning allows students to view instructional

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materials each week at any time they choose and does not include a live video lecture
component. On the other hand, synchronous online learning means that students are required to
log in and participate in class at a specific time each week. The main difference between
asynchronous learning and synchronous learning is this live instruction component occurring at a set
time. We'll describe more differences in the sections below, as well as some of the pros, cons and
best practices of each style.

We tapped Ohio State experts to explain the difference

between asynchronous and synchronous learning and
what each style actually means when it comes to online
classes.

Asynchronous online classes: complete work each week on your schedule, receive immediate feedback on
quizzes, schedule group work when it's convenient for everyone.
Synchronous online classes: attend class virtually each week with instructors and classmates, participate in real-
time discussions during class time, improve presentation skills.
Both: attend class from anywhere*, communicate regularly with instructors, network and make connections with
classmates.
*The majority of our programs have no on-campus requirements. Please see your specific program's page for
state authorization information.

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What is asynchronous learning?

Asynchronous learning allows you to learn on your own schedule, within a certain timeframe. You
can access and complete lectures, readings, homework and other learning materials at any time
during a one- or two-week period.

“A big benefit to asynchronous classes is, of course, the flexibility. Asynchronous online
classes mean that you don’t always need to be online at the same time as your instructor or
classmates,” said Instructional Designer John Muir, who works with faculty to develop classes for Ohio
State's online programs. “We know that students who are looking to take an entire program online are
partially looking for that flexibility.”

Online asynchronous classes might include short videos teaching key concepts that you can watch
over and over again, if necessary. In some classes, students can also complete homework
assignments and receive immediate feedback, as opposed to waiting for instructors to grade them.

But don't get the idea that asynchronous classes are any less rigorous than their synchronous or on-
campus counterparts.

“Just like a student on campus, you should expect to be doing work one week at a time,” Muir said.
“You should also expect to have contact with your instructor and classmates every week in a
substantial way.”

For example, in HTHRHSC 4300: Contemporary Topics in Health and Society, a capstone course in
the B.S. in Health Sciences program, students do most of their work according to their own
schedules. However, they also sort themselves into groups based on schedule and availability,
meeting weekly via video conferencing to collaborate on a research project that spans the semester.

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What is synchronous learning?

Synchronous learning means that although you will be learning from a distance, you will virtually
attend a class session each week, at the same time as your instructor and classmates. The class is a
firm, weekly time commitment that cannot be rescheduled. Much like an on-campus class, you will
have readings and assignments to complete outside of class time to help prepare you to participate
in the discussion. This kind of preparation from students, along with a dedicated agenda set by the
instructor, ensures each class session is productive.

“A lot of careful planning and set up ahead of time makes those sessions into meaningful
connections," Muir said. “If the students can do it, and it’s thought through well by instructors, it can be
a really powerful thing to add.”

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Online synchronous learning doesn’t always just take the form of a live video lecture or an instructor-
led discussion. Often, students will lead discussions themselves or give presentations to the rest of
the class. In an online class, group work doesn’t go away, it just looks a little different. Muir explains
that some instructors will pose case studies to students, who then have to negotiate an answer first
as a small group and then together, as a class. Specific types of activities included in a synchronous
course depend on the course and the program.

“There’s a lot of discipline-specific, really active things that go

on in those sessions that aren’t just the equivalent of a
recorded lecture,” Muir said. “It really is the same as doing
some sort of activity in the classroom, just in a virtual setting.”

Ohio State's Doctor of Nursing Practice program is one example of a program with synchronous
online class requirements. One of the classes, NURSPRCT 8600: Organizational Culture, requires that
students attend weekly evening class sessions using CarmenZoom. Class discussion and interaction
with the instructor occurs mainly during these meetings, with homework and readings available at any
time in CarmenCanvas, Ohio State's online learning management system.

How can I be successful in an online class?

No matter if your program is mostly asynchronous or synchronous, Muir reminds students to be

deliberate with their time in order to be successful.

“In an online program, you really have to be respectful of yourself and plan your time and efforts,” he
said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in a synchronous or an asynchronous class, you need to know to
block off your time to accomplish those things.”

Vivian Jones, M.Ed., academic advisor, says she often works with students who aren’t sure how
synchronous or asynchronous classes will fit into their lives. To start with, knowing yourself and your
own limitations is key to making decisions regarding your education.

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“Remember that an online degree program itself is time-consuming,” Jones said. “Consider how you
will manage a work-school-life balance. There is a lot of self-discipline involved.”

Jones said she also hears from students who fear they’ll feel disconnected or disengaged in an
asynchronous, online course.

To combat feelings of isolation, Jones recommends students always reach out to their instructors and
classmates and attempt to make meaningful connections.

“Respond to discussion posts and find people with similar interests to you or people doing things you
don’t even know about, so you can maybe learn more about them,” she said. “Make
relationships just as you would in a physical classroom.”

In an online class, student engagement needs to be more purposeful than an in-person class, where
engagement may take place more naturally, but it’s crucial to ensure all students feel invested in their
coursework.

“With online learning, student engagement is just different,”

Jones said. “I see instructors in online classes really making
an effort to make things personable and make people feel
included. We’re trying to bring everyone together as one
community, because online students are part of the Ohio State
community.”

Interested in earning your Ohio State degree online? Learn more about our offerings.

You may also like:

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Last modified: July 27, 2022

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