I.

Introduction
A.  The pandemic had obligated us to divert to the so-called “new normal” on every aspect of our
everyday lives even in our education system in which we learn through online classes, either in
synchronous or asynchronous learning.

B.  Asynchronous learning is a type of learning in which we, as students, access learning
materials, take assessments, and communicate at our own pace. It gives us maximum control
over how, when, and where will their learnings happen and provide us with a more flexible
schedule and completion of requirements will be based on our own understanding.

C. As students, we strongly agree that asynchronous learning is beneficial to students because it

empowers each of us to understand and take on tasks that are set on our pace.

II. Argument
Asynchronous Learning allows students to access material, ask questions and practice their skills
at any time that works for them. According to Elizabeth Trach, a professional writer and blogger,
this kind of learning is often called Location Independent Learning. Because students can access
the course from anywhere in the world thanks to the internet. There are three main benefits of
Asynchronous Learning:

FIRST, Flexibility and Individual Pacing. Every student needs to deal with their school, family,
and work life, and having this kind of learning helps the students balance their work schedules.
According to Trach, this flexibility can be beneficial for students with health issues that limit
time in school but can be addressed through an online program. In addition, it allows students to
make their own learning schedules that gives them a greater sense of freedom and at the same
time, more responsibility.
SECOND, Asynchronous Collaboration. Using discussion boards and interactive document
editing can help students engage more deeply with the material as they communicate with each
other. This collaboration allows students to reach out for help when they need it and to work with
the material as long as needed before sharing their thoughts with others, leading to a richer, more
personalized experience overall. According to Harris (2009), in an asynchronous learning
environment, students are able to actively participate in their own learning, giving them the
opportunity to interact with their peers, provide peer feedback, and reflect on the status of their
personal learning goals and outcomes
THIRD, Thorough and organized activities are passed. Students have many subjects to deal
with, having this kind of learning can improve students' outputs or activities to be passed to their
teachers. Where they can engage more time in their work, and better understand their work
material. According to Stefan Hrastinski, a research fellow at a university in Sweden, students
may spend more time refining their contributions, which are generally considered more
thoughtful compared to synchronous communication.

III. Counter Argument

Asynchronous learning offers flexibility and accessibility. But it loses on interaction and connect
in the trade-off. There is no doubt that asynchronous learning can be incredibly beneficial, but
there are certainly some cons to consider before following a pure asynchronous learning
approach.
1. Lack of instant feedback. While asynchronous learning commonly has built-in
communication tools to communicate with teachers and students, the fact of the matter is
that this communication is not always instant. Opportunities to discuss, debate, and network
with classmates and professors are scarce. Feedbacks in eLearning is essential, as it helps
both students and teachers address issues and misunderstandings related to the learning
materials. The quicker the feedback is received; the sooner the students get back on the
right learning track.
2. Can cause lack of motivation. Lack of live interaction can disengage and demotivate
students, who may need encouragement and stimulation in order to log in, read the
material, and complete the learning materials and activities. While working in a self-guided
environment can be empowering, it’s important to be honest with yourself. Do you have the
drive to not only keep yourself on track and committed to your goals, but also to remain
enthusiastic about the subject matter without the constant support and evaluation of an
instructor? In fact, procrastination is more likely to occur in an asynchronous learning
environment than in any other online learning environment. Personal interaction helps
students maintain their interest, whereas isolation rarely boosts motivation.
3. Requires self-discipline. A lot of responsibility falls upon the student to not wait until the
last minute to turn in assignments, and this is especially true while learning
asynchronously. Asynchronous learning is learner-centered, so those taking courses in
this way need self-discipline and focus to be successful in completing the required course
work. It requires students to be focused, goal oriented, and with great time
management skills. So, if you are someone who tends to procrastinate then it is important
to remain mindful of your own habits and not let fall behind.
III. Conclusion
Asynchronous Learning benefits learners in a way where it eliminates the limits created
by schedules which is usually done during synchronous learning or face to face classes. Students
can study on their own will without compromising their time since it was a given that they can
manage their schedule on their own. Given the means to do so, learners can focus more on the
content of their learning materials or go over it over and over again until they have fully grasped
the knowledge and put into practice. Additionally, since it can also be done offline, the pressure
of an immediate response or feedback which is usually practiced during recitations and on the
spot activities in a face to face class is not present in asynchronous classes which in turn will
make the learner more relaxed all throughout the learning experience.
Considering the means to conduct asynchronous kind of classes, it is better to continue
implementing it on a clearer point of view where learners can appreciate its importance all
throughout the learning experience. There must be a strong and firm explanation as well as a
guide to be fully equipped still with knowledge despite of it being conducted through e-learning.
Moreover, a step by step guide or tips on how to effectively manage one’s own time must be
given to efficiently make asynchronous class significant all throughout.
To sum it up, asynchronous classes can be implemented effectively if and only if the
learner has the determination and enthusiasm to do so. No matter how good and efficient the
given learning materials are, if the learner does not have any interest on taking even just a tiny
bit of it, there will never be a progress being done. Moreover, a good time management plus hard
work and eagerness to do so will make asynchronous classes efficiently, effectively and
beneficial to learners.
References:
https://www.viewsonic.com/library/education/the-pros-and-cons-of-asynchronous-distance-
learning/
https://elearningindustry.com/asynchronous-learning-advantages-and-disadvantages-in-
corporate-training
https://thebestschools.org/magazine/synchronous-vs-asynchronous-education/
https://www.learnupon.com/blog/synchronous-learning-asynchronous-learning/
https://www.schoology.com/blog/asynchronous-learning-definition-benefits-and-example-
activities
https://er.educause.edu/articles/2008/11/asynchronous-and-synchronous-elearning
https://elearningindustry.com/benefits-of-synchronous-and-asynchronous-e-learning#:~:text=In
%20an%20asynchronous%20learning%20environment,et%20al.%2C%202012).