Synchronous and Asynchronous
Distance education is becoming an increasingly important part of today's dynamic and globalized business and academic environments. This paper gives a brief introduction to distance education and asynchronous and synchronous technologies, and reviews and compares two synchronous technologies (HorizonLive and Centra 7) with two asynchronous technologies (Blackboard and WebCT).
Synchronous and asynchronous technologies are both part of the recent explosion of computer mediated learning. As Kirwin notes, computers have created a "vision of classrooms transformed into global learning communities," where students or business cohorts from around the world can use technology to revolutionize the learning experience.
Technologies in computer-mediated distance learning fall into two main categories, synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous communication is done in "real time," and includes chat applications like MSN Messenger, and streaming audio and video. Asynchronous communication does not occur in "real time," and can include e-mail, message boards, traditional correspondence courses, and databases. Overall, asynchronous learning has the advantage of allowing learners to review material at their leisure and in depth, thus formulating critical responses and "attend to the learning with a level of comfort and confidence" (Kirwin). Synchronous learning has the advantage of allowing for brainstorming and collaborative work, and allows for more constructivist learning, where students construct knowledge and meaning for themselves.
There are limitations to any type of distance-education technology, whether synchronous or asynchronous. While current technology is profoundly useful in bringing together people across distance and time, Kirwin notes that it "fails to provide the most important component of learning: social interactions." Nonetheless, computer mediated learning and distance education remain powerful tools.
HorizonLive and Centra 7 are two...
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