Integrating Synchronous and Asynchronous Internet Distributed Education for Maximum Effectiveness

Abstract

Abstract. Distributed education delivered via the Internet is a growing practice, with most institutions offering at least course websites and many expanding to full course offerings and even degree offerings. There are two schools of thought with regard to delivery mode; the larger group has focused on asynchronous delivery, accessible at any time via web pages and interactive tutorials and quizzes, while a smaller group advocates synchronous delivery where students are online and interact during class time. This paper summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the two delivery modes and describes our successful and growing experience of more than a decade using an open source synchronous delivery tool blended with a variety of asynchronous capabilities and classroom instruction. We conclude that a synergistic combination of the two modes with in-person instruction, designed to provide maximum flexibility to the student within the constraints of the subject, offers the best support for student learning.

Services for deploying web-based online courses

“…In the past ten years, Web-based distributed education has become a growing practice in many institutions [8,17,20], attracting students with difficulties in scheduling or distance. The Webbased education is primarily based on asynchronous use of World Wide Web technology, where educational materials are accessible with any Web browsers.…”

Distance learning technology and service support in Greece: The case study of the Aristotle University over the last decade

“…The interaction between students and teachers takes place in real time. Several papers in the literature present and study this synchronous DL model (Anderson et al 2003;Badenhorst and Axmann 2002;Cannings and Talley 2002;Furr and Ragsdale 2002;Jennings et al 1997;Kinnear et al 2002;Martin 2005;Pullen and Snow 2007;Robyn 2005;Saw et al 2008). According to the independent learning model, the interaction between students and teachers takes place neither in a specified time nor in a predetermined place.…”