How can you use synchronous and asynchronous online methods effectively?

1 Synchronous online methods

Synchronous online methods, such as live webinars, video conferences, or chat rooms, involve real-time interaction between you and your learners and can help create a sense of community, provide immediate feedback, and adapt to the needs and interests of your learners. However, there are some drawbacks to these methods, such as requiring a reliable internet connection, scheduling challenges, and potential technical issues. To use synchronous online methods effectively, you should plan and prepare your sessions carefully, communicate the objectives, agenda, and expectations to your learners in advance; use a variety of activities and tools to keep your learners engaged and motivated; encourage participation and collaboration among your learners; facilitate discussions and questions; monitor and evaluate your learners' progress and performance; and provide constructive and timely feedback.

2 Asynchronous online methods

Asynchronous online methods, such as pre-recorded videos, podcasts, e-books, or online forums, can provide more flexibility and autonomy to learners, as well as cater to different learning styles and preferences. However, they also have some challenges, such as creating a sense of isolation and reducing interaction and feedback. To use these methods effectively, you should design and organize content and activities in a clear and logical way with clear instructions and guidance. Utilize a variety of media and formats to present content and activities (e.g. audio, video, text, graphics). Additionally, encourage self-reflection and self-assessment among learners by providing opportunities for them to review and apply their learning. Finally, create a learning community where learners can communicate and collaborate with each other and with you.

3 Blended online methods

Blended online methods, which combine synchronous and asynchronous methods to create a balanced and comprehensive online learning experience, can help to leverage the strengths and overcome the weaknesses of both approaches while providing more choice and flexibility to learners. However, this approach requires more planning and coordination, as well as careful alignment of the learning objectives, content, activities, and assessment. To use blended online methods effectively, you should analyze your learning goals and audience to determine the best mix of synchronous and asynchronous methods. Additionally, you should ensure that content and activities are relevant, meaningful, and consistent; integrate synchronous and asynchronous methods smoothly; create a clear and coherent learning journey for your learners; and evaluate and improve your online training based on feedback from learners and data from online platforms.

4 Tips for online trainers

As an online trainer, you need to develop new skills and competencies to design and deliver effective online training using synchronous and asynchronous methods. To do this, you should become familiar with the online platforms and tools you use, testing them before and during your sessions. You should also be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of your online learners, as well as being prepared to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. Additionally, it is important to be engaging and interactive with your online learners, using your voice, body language, and visual aids to communicate effectively. Finally, be supportive and responsive to your online learners by providing regular and constructive feedback and guidance.

5 Resources for online trainers

If you want to learn more about how to use synchronous and asynchronous online methods effectively, there are a variety of resources to explore. The Online Learning Consortium offers courses and webinars on online teaching and learning, such as Designing Blended Learning and Facilitating Live Online Learning. The Association for Talent Development (ATD) provides resources and events on online training, including Essentials of Online Synchronous Learning and Designing for the Modern Learner. Additionally, the eLearning Guild hosts several online events and publications on online learning, such as Learning Solutions Online Conference or eLearning Magazine.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?