Differences of Asynchronous Learning and Synchronous Learning: Definition of Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning

Sooooo, I was involved in a discussion concerning synchronous and asynchronous online learning activities and whether they should be the same.  As many know, learning strategies cannot be cookie cutter for both.  Think about it, would you prepare for a game that requires a coach such as football the same way you would prepare for a game that doesn't require a coach, such as hop scotch.  No, you would not. If the instructor is going to be in class, at the same time as the student (synchronous) then you would build in instructor interaction and learning activities that go along with that interaction.  If the instructor is not and the student is working on their own with the instructor facilitating from afar, AND NOT AT THE SAME TIME, the instructor interaction and activities would have to be designed differently.   It goes back to what I have always said before; NOT everyone is an instructional designer.   Bottom line; everything can not be the same. 

I ran across this  article which breaks it down for even the most inexperienced. 

Differences of Asynchronous Learning and Synchronous Learning: Definition of Asynchronous and Synchronous Learning

Naughty, Naughty

Okay, yes I have been naughty! I haven't updated this blog since last year...2011 and its now April 2012...shameful! Nevertheless, here's an update of what I've been doing in 2012.

• Mastering Captivate and training others to master it as well
• Applying to PH.d programs and waiting with baited breath
  
• Entering the new horizons of writing university curriculum
• On a personal note, getting used to being an Army mom. Hooah!!
  

Its been an interesting few months. However I am plugging away.

LinkedIn for Networking and Knowledge

A few years ago one of my former co-workers sent me an invite to join her LinkedIn network. I skeptically accepted the invitation. I am not a big fan of social networking sites such as Myspace or the other one that I cant think of the name right now...that's another topic for a different blog. Anyway, I joined, filled out my profile and then sent some invites to some people that I knew. Before I knew it I had a modest size network of friends, college buddies, coworkers and former coworkers. It was interesting to watch as others built their networks and the types of professions that were within their networks. I then discovered LinkedIn groups and was definitely hooked. I have learned so much from the people and resources that are in those groups. As a result, I find myself using LinkedIn as one of my main self development tools.... Thanks Nakiesha.

Great Resource

I discovered this via one of my groups on LinkedIn. This is a great resource on the latest thats going on with k-20 education. On top of that, the subscription to the hard copy of the magazine is free. Check it out.

http://www.eschoolnews.com/