1.

Introduction

Flexible and Blended Learning TOOLS

Online education has grown in popularity and accessibility, attracting students with its schedule-
friendly format options. These formats can be grouped broadly into two categories: synchronous
and asynchronous.

Synchronous learning is online or distance education that happens in real time, often with a set
class schedule and required login times.

Asynchronous learning does not require real-time interaction; instead, content is available
online for students to access when it best suits their schedules, and assignments are completed to
deadlines. Programs can also use a hybrid learning model, which includes a blend of both
formats.

2. Synchronous Learning

Synchronous Learning

Synchronous learning happens in real time. This means that you, your classmates, and your
instructor interact in a specific virtual place at a set time. In these courses, instructors commonly
take attendance, same as they would in a lecture hall. Common methods of synchronous online
learning include video conferencing, teleconferencing, live chatting, and live-streamed
lectures that must be viewed in real time.

-It allows students to interact with the instructor and their peers in real-time, ask questions, and
receive immediate feedback. This type of learning is often used in online learning environments
to create a sense of community and to engage students in real-time interactions. However, it can
also occur in traditional face-to-face classroom settings.

2. Synchronous Learning

2.1. Advantages of Synchronous Learning

Advantages of Synchronous Learning

i) Classroom Engagements

If you like active discussion, immediate feedback, and personal interactions with peers and
instructors, you’ll probably prefer a synchronous learning experience. This format can be
especially helpful if you’re just beginning the transition from a traditional classroom to an online
setting. Live videoconferencing, lecture broadcasts, and chatting in real time in a messaging
client can offer much of the personal engagement available in a classroom, while also allowing
you the comforts of home and no commute time. Plus, you won't ever have to worry about germs
during cold and flu season.

ii) Dynamic Learning

For some learning styles, a synchronous online format is actually an improvement over
classroom learning because it allows for a more dynamic exploration of topics, ideas, and
concepts. There is a speed and immediacy to synchronous online learning; videoconferencing
makes it possible to ask peers and TAs questions and receive answers mid-lesson, and not being
in a lecture hall means you can do your own research on the side without disrupting class. If you
thrive at a swift pace, surrounded by competing and complementary ideas, a synchronous format
might suit you well.

iii) Instructional Depth

With synchronous online learning, you interact regularly and frequently with your professors and
can get to know them. This provides regular opportunities for face-to-face discussion, individual
guidance, and mentorship without having to schedule independent appointments. If you do your
best work when you have accessible and supportive instruction, you’re probably a synchronous
learner.

More advantages

1. Real-time interaction: Synchronous learning allows students to interact with their

instructor and peers in real-time. This helps to create a sense of community and can foster
collaboration and social learning.
2. Immediate feedback: Students can receive immediate feedback from the instructor,
which can help them to understand the material better and make improvements to their
work.
3. Personalized learning: Instructors can use synchronous learning to personalize the
learning experience for each student. They can tailor their teaching to the needs and
interests of individual students, which can lead to better learning outcomes.
4. Time-efficient: Synchronous learning can be more time-efficient than asynchronous
learning because it allows students to get immediate answers to their questions and to
receive feedback on their work.
5. More engaging: Synchronous learning can be more engaging than asynchronous
learning because students can participate in real-time discussions and activities. This can
help to keep them motivated and focused on the learning material.
6. Flexibility: Synchronous learning can be flexible because it can be conducted online,
allowing students to participate from anywhere with an internet connection. This can be
especially beneficial for students who have other commitments that make it difficult to
attend traditional face-to-face classes.
2. Synchronous Learning

2.2. Challenges of synchronous learning

What could be the challenges of synchronous learning?

1. Scheduling difficulties: Synchronous learning requires that all students and the
instructor be available at the same time, which can be challenging to schedule, especially
for students who have other commitments or live in different time zones.
2. Technical issues: Synchronous learning relies on technology such as video conferencing
software, which can experience technical difficulties that disrupt the learning experience.
3. Limited flexibility: Synchronous learning is less flexible than asynchronous learning
because students must be available at a specific time to participate in class. This can be
problematic for students with other commitments, such as work or family obligations.
4. Increased pressure: Synchronous learning can be more stressful for students who may
feel pressure to participate in real-time discussions or activities, which can lead to anxiety
or performance anxiety.
5. Limited individual attention: Instructors may not be able to provide individual attention
to each student in a synchronous learning environment, especially if the class is large.
6. Limited opportunity for reflection: Synchronous learning can be fast-paced, which
may not allow students enough time for reflection or deep thinking about the material
being covered.

3. Tools For Synchronous Learning

There are several synchronous facilitation tools that instructors can use to facilitate real-time
interactions with students, including:

1. Video conferencing software: Tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet
allow instructors to host real-time virtual meetings where they can present material,
conduct discussions, and interact with students in real-time.
2. Chat tools: Platforms like Slack, Discord, or Microsoft Teams Chat can be used to
facilitate real-time conversations between the instructor and students or among students
themselves.
3. Polling and quiz tools: Tools like Kahoot or Mentimeter allow instructors to create
quizzes or polls that students can answer in real-time, providing immediate feedback and
engaging students in the learning process.
4. Screen-sharing and whiteboarding tools: Platforms like Miro, Google Jamboard, or
Microsoft Whiteboard can be used to facilitate real-time collaboration and brainstorming
among students or between the instructor and students.
5. Breakout room tools: Many video conferencing software like Zoom or Microsoft Teams
offer the ability to create breakout rooms where smaller groups of students can
collaborate and discuss the material in real-time.
 6. Live streaming tools: Platforms like YouTube Live or Facebook Live can be used to
stream live lectures or discussions for students to participate in real-time or watch later

3. Tools For Synchronous Learning

3.1. Microsoft Teams

A) Video Conferencing Tools

Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams is a chat-based workspace in Office 365. It brings together people,

conversations and content along with the tools that teams need so they can easily collaborate to
achieve more.

Microsoft has launched Teams for education whish is a product currently available for free to
educational institutions. It makes available key features for classroom collaborations.

Click here to get all deatails about MS Teams. and make brief notes on the same.

. Tools For Synchronous Learning

3.2. Zoom

Zoom is a cloud-based web-conferencing tool that allows you to host and record online
meetings.Zoom can be used to host synchronous class sessions, office hours, group work
sessions, webinars, departmental meetings and to create screen recordings.

Click here to undertand more about Zoom features and functionalities. You can also click on the
below to watch a video on how to use Zoom.

3. Tools For Synchronous Learning

3.3. Google Meet

 Google Meet

Google is making enterprise-grade video conferencing available to everyone. Now, anyone with
a Google Account can create an online meeting with up to 100 participants and meet for up to 60
minutes per meeting.

Businesses, schools, and other organizations can take advantage of advanced features, including
meetings with up to 250 internal or external participants and live streaming to up to 100,000
viewers within a domain.

How to use Google Meet’s free features

Enjoy free video conferencing for up to 100 participants. Google Meet also offers counter-abuse
measures like anti-hijacking to help protect your data and privacy.

Unlimited number of meetings

Connect with anyone—coworkers, clients, classmates—as often as you'd like.

Invite up to 100 participants to a meeting. If you’re using the free version of Google Meet,
anyone you invite will need to sign in with a Google Account to join the meeting for added
security.

Live captioning during meetings

Follow along in real time with automated live captions powered by Google’s speech recognition
technology. To turn on closed captions, click the three dots on the Meet screen to bring up the
option (available in English only).

Compatible across devices

Google Meet works on any device. Join a meeting from your desktop/laptop, Android,
or iPhone/iPad. If you're working from home, you can also join a meeting from Google Nest Hub
Max.
For organizations that need conference room support, Google Meet hardware offers affordable,
high-quality options for purchase. Or you can learn more about Google Meet interoperability
with non-Google systems.

Video and audio preview screen

After clicking your meeting code or link, you can adjust your camera and mic and see how you
look before entering the meeting. You’ll also get a preview of who has already joined the
meeting.

Adjustable layouts and screen settings

Meet automatically switches the layout in a video meeting to display the most active content and
participants.

To switch the layout, click the three dots in the lower corner of the Meet screen.

Controls for meeting hosts

Anyone can easily pin, mute, or remove participants. For privacy reasons, you cannot unmute
another person. Ask them to unmute their audio.

For education accounts, only the meeting creator can mute or remove others. Learn how to set up
Meet for distance learning.

Screen sharing with participants

Present your entire screen or an application window to share presentations or collaborate on

documents.

Improve your Meet presentations with these 10 tips.

Messaging with participants

Make meetings more engaging with live messaging during calls. To share files, links, and other
messages with participants, click the chat icon. Messages are only available during the meeting.
 Integration with Google and Microsoft Office apps

3. Tools For Synchronous Learning

3.4. BigBlueButton

BigBlueButton (BBB) is a synchronous web conferencing tool that allows

instructors to host live online presentations, seminars, office hours, or other meetings. It enables
you to share your audio, slides, chat, video, and desktop with students.

click here to read more about BigBlueButton

4. Asynchronous Learning

Asynchronous Learning

Asynchronous learning refers to a type of learning where students access course materials and
complete assignments at their own pace and on their own schedule, rather than participating in
real-time interactions with an instructor or classmates. This means that students can access the
course materials and complete the coursework whenever it is convenient for them, without the
constraints of scheduled class meetings.

Common methods of asynchronous online learning include self-guided lesson modules, pre-
recorded video content, virtual libraries, lecture notes, and online discussion boards/forums or
social media platforms.

4. Asynchronous Learning

4.1. Advantages of Asynchronous Learning

Advantages of Asynchronous Learning

1. Flexibility: Asynchronous learning provides students with the flexibility to complete

their coursework at their own pace and on their own schedule, which can be especially
beneficial for students who have other commitments such as work or family
responsibilities.
2. Accessibility: Asynchronous learning is accessible to students who may not be able to
attend traditional face-to-face classes due to geographic, financial, or other barriers.
3. Self-directed learning: Asynchronous learning encourages students to take
responsibility for their own learning by providing them with the materials and resources
needed to complete their coursework independently.
4. Increased retention: Asynchronous learning allows students to review course materials
and lectures multiple times, which can increase retention of the material.
5. Increased participation: Asynchronous learning provides a platform for all students to
participate, regardless of their learning style or personality.
6. Cost-effective: Asynchronous learning can be a cost-effective option for both students
and institutions, as it eliminates the need for physical classrooms and reduces travel and
accommodation expenses.
7. Global reach: Asynchronous learning provides an opportunity for students from all over
the world to participate in the same course, expanding access to education and promoting
cultural exchange.
.2. Challenges of Asynchronous Learning

Challenges of Asynchronous Learning

1. Scheduling difficulties: Synchronous learning requires that all students and the instructor
be available at the same time, which can be challenging to schedule, especially for
students who have other commitments or live in different time zones.
2. Technical issues: Synchronous learning relies on technology such as video conferencing
software, which can experience technical difficulties that disrupt the learning experience.
3. Limited flexibility: Synchronous learning is less flexible than asynchronous learning
because students must be available at a specific time to participate in class. This can be
problematic for students with other commitments, such as work or family obligations.
4. Increased pressure: Synchronous learning can be more stressful for students who may
feel pressure to participate in real-time discussions or activities, which can lead to anxiety
or performance anxiety.
5. Limited individual attention: Instructors may not be able to provide individual attention
to each student in a synchronous learning environment, especially if the class is large.
6. Limited opportunity for reflection: Synchronous learning can be fast-paced, which
may not allow students enough time for reflection or deep thinking about the material
being covered.

4.3. Asynchronous facilitation Tools

By no means an exhaustive list, these are some of the types of asynchronous communication
tools that you may use in your class.

 Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms like Canvas, Blackboard, and

Moodle provide a centralized location for instructors to share course materials,
communicate with students, and provide feedback on assignment
 Pre-recorded video lectures: Instructors can pre-record video lectures using tools like
Panopto or Kaltura, and post them to the LMS or other platforms for students to access at
their own pace.
 Discussion forums: Online discussion forums like Piazza or Discourse provide a
platform for students to ask questions, share ideas, and engage in dialogue with
classmates and the instructor.
 Email-Probably the most ubiquitous asynchronous tool, email is still an important tool to
consider in the classroom. Email works great to get messages out to large groups, like
announcements or weekly updates. However, using email is more challenging for hosting
discussions.

 Annotation tools
o Annotation tools support learners working together to comment on a single
document. Learners can highlight and comment on journal articles, and much like
 a threaded discussion, comment on other comments. Examples of annotation tools
include: Perusall, hypothes.is, A.nnotate and even Google Docs.

 Asynchronous audio/video tools

o Asynchronous communication Is not just limited to text. There are also tools to
incorporate visual and audio communication. Flipgrid is a great way to engage
with students asynchronously while still feeling like a real person behind a
keyboard.

 Blogs/Wikis
o Blogs and wikis are areas for learners to post and or collaborate on documents.
Generally used in areas open to the entire internet, they can be used for learners to
share with a larger audience
 Electronic textbooks: Electronic textbooks like those available through VitalSource or
CourseSmart provide a searchable, interactive resource that students can access at their
own pace.

. Game Based Learning Tools

Gamification can be achieved in a synchronous class through use of digital games.

There are many digital games that learners may love to play some of them include:

Kahoot!

Quizizz

Quizlet Live

Gimkit
These free platforms allow teachers to create multiple-choice questions that players answer on
their own devices. Teachers can also choose from the thousands of quizzes already shared on
these sites or create content-specific questions to use as pre-assessments, quizzes or exit tickets.
Breakout EDU also has a collection of digital games, puzzles and ciphers that promote critical
thinking in online learning.