Synchronous vs. asynchronous learning: what's the difference

Table of contents

1. What is synchronous learning? 
2. What is asynchronous learning? 
3. What are the differences between synchronous and asynchronous learning?
4. How does Easy LMS support both ways of learning?

What is synchronous learning? Definition explained

Synchronicity means doing something at the same time, and with learning, it's no different. Synchronous learning refers to a learning event in which a group of participants is engaged in learning at the same time [1].

There is real interaction with other people

For that, they should be in the same physical location, such as a classroom, or at the same online environment, such as in a web conference, where they can interact with the instructor and other participants. There is real-interaction with other people.

In a corporate training scenario, this type of learning occurs when there is in-person training or live webinars where the employees or customers can participate at the same time.

The benefits of synchronous learning

• Interaction between participants.
• Exchange of knowledge and experience between participants.
• Real-time feedback for the instructor.
• Training happens on a fixed schedule.

What is asynchronous learning? Definition explained

If synchronous learning takes place at the same time, asynchronous learning refers to the opposite. The instructor, the learner, and other participants are not engaged in the learning process at the same time. There is no real-time interaction with other people [1].

An example of this method in corporate training is creating online content with pre-recorded videos or publishing an on-demand online exam.

The benefits of asynchronous learning

• Participants can learn in their own time and schedule
• Less work for trainers and HR managers
• Automated tasks reduce repetitive work such as giving online classes and grading exams
• Employees and customers spend less time in a classroom or amphitheater during work hours [2]

What are the differences between synchronous and asynchronous learning?

How does Easy LMS support both ways of learning?

You can build content in Easy LMS for both synchronous and asynchronous learning scenarios.

Easy LMS and synchronous learning

It's possible to combine online courses with a web conferencing tool

It's possible to combine online courses with a web conferencing tool if you want to conduct online live classes. Another option is to set up a discussion forum where your participants can interact with each other while they take the same course. If you are going for a blended approach , it's possible to share a survey or a quiz with participants while giving a talk or in-person training. That method allows you to collect real-time feedback from your audience. The survey,  or short quiz,  can be shared via email, link, or even a QR code that can be easily captured with a smartphone camera.

Easy LMS and asynchronous learning

You can create beautiful courses and tests with pre-recorded videos, webinar recordings, audio files, and so on. Then, share them with your participants, so they can learn in their own time. It's not necessary to be online when your learners are, which means you can use your time for other more important tasks! Build your content one time and make it available for a lifetime! Get analytics and data about your participants and find out their knowledge gaps, so you can easily make adjustments in your material wherever necessary.

Useful resources

1. eLearners
2. Educause

Frequently Asked Questions