Abstract
The use of problem-based learning in both synchronous and asynchronous settings presents great opportunities for advantages but also is subject to challenges. With the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the integration of problem-based learning into various platforms is paramount for student success. Student education has been restricted to online settings, small group discussions in hybrid settings, synchronous and asynchronous lectures, and this has resulted in a modification of traditional problem-based learning. The modalities of synchronous and asynchronous learning are discussed thoroughly with an emphasis placed upon the different types of communication that can occur in these two modalities. Additionally, the benefits and drawbacks of each modality are presented to provide a foundation for decision making that is based upon the strengths and weaknesses of asynchronous and synchronous interactions. Examples of approaches within the problem-based learning methodology are presented with attention given to the implementation of PBL in synchronous and asynchronous settings.
TopAsynchronous Learning
A brief history is warranted in order to discuss asynchronous learning. Asynchronous learning began as correspondence courses where text-based assignments were sent between instructors and students with weeks between responses (Goralski & Falk, 2017). This form of learning was affected by geographical and temporal barriers. Many typical social cues that accompany face-to-face communication were missing from text-based communication. Asynchronous learning evolved to include videos of instructors that were mailed to students who then returned text-based assignments to the instructor. This form of interaction was still affected by distance and time but was aided in the addition of some possible social cues in the communication from the instructor that included facial expressions and tone of voice. As technology has eventually advanced, asynchronous learning now includes the possibility of reciprocal video communication in addition to text-based and auditory-based communication. With the use of the internet, miles are less of a factor though time can still be a barrier in the immediacy of communication.
Figure 1.
Evolution of distance education
TopBenefits And Drawbacks Of Asynchronous Learning Interactions
There are benefits to asynchronous learning techniques. These strategies help facilitate learning that is convenient to the student in an anytime, anywhere fashion (Martin et al., 2020). In asynchronous communication an individual creates a message and posts it. The next communicator accesses the message when able, and has the option to leave a response to the original communicator. These messages can be accessed at any time, day or night, this accommodates communicators with varying schedule obligations. This includes a connection for participants in different time zones and therefore allows for communication around the world.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Modality: A particular mode in which some occurs – asynchronously or synchronously.
Bichronous: An approach in which a balance is struck between asynchronous and synchronous modalities of learning activities.
Asynchronous: Educational activities not occurring in real time; occurring individually or between group members.
Synchronous: Educational activities occurring in real time with interaction between participants at the same time.