UNIT 3: COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT IN THE DIGITAL WORLD
What is Collaboration?
Collaboration is when a group of people come together and contribute their
expertise for the benefit of a shared objective, project, or mission. But collaboration isn't just
a means to work together towards a common goal. It’s also an excellent way to encourage
innovation and creativity. When individuals with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds
come together, it leads to the exchange of unique perspectives and ideas. This can result in
more innovative solutions and creative problem-solving that may not have been possible
with just one person working on the task.
What Is Collaborative Learning?
Collaborative learning involves groups of students and teachers collaborating
on joint intellectual efforts. The majority of the time, students work in groups of two or
more people, seeking understanding, solutions, or creating something together.
Collaborative learning is an educational approach of teaching and learning in which
groups of students participate in solving issues, completing tasks, or creating products
together. Collaborative learning flourishes in a social environment, where learners can
converse with each other.
The collaborative learning process is a new educational approach in which
students’ study in groups to enhance their learning outcomes. They come together to
perform tasks, work on projects and understand new concepts.
The concept of collaborative learning helps the students to actively engage in the
processing of new information by putting group efforts instead of making use of
memorization techniques for studying. In this way, the students can defend their places,
reframe new ideas, understand other people's points of view and gain a better
understanding of a subject rather than working as individuals.
Key Features of Collaborative Learning
 Purpose of the Activity - Collaborative Learning helps to satisfy the purpose of
the activity with equal and distributed efforts of all team members.
 Individual Learning Goals - It helps the students to accept new challenges and
work on different parts of the projects with help of other students.
 Enhancing Friendships and Teamwork - This helps the students to make friends
across the institute having same interests and build a series of network
 Building of New Relationships - Helps students to meet new students, learn
about their ways, cultures and work with them.
 Delegation of skills - Distributing the responsibilities of work with the team
members as per their experiences, expertise and interest.
What is Collaborative Environment?
Collaborative Environments are designed for distributed teams which can be
defined as groups of people that interact through interdependent tasks guided by common
purpose, and work across space, time, and organizational boundaries primarily through
electronic means.
In the digital world, a collaborative environment refers to a virtual space where
individuals or groups can work together, share ideas, and create content in a synchronous
or asynchronous manner. This type of environment is particularly beneficial in the education
field as it enables students, teachers, and administrators to connect, communicate, and
collaborate remotely.
What is Digital Collaboration?
Digital collaboration is the use of digital tools and technology to indulge and
exchange information. It is beneficial because it allows students to engage in collaborative
learning, which can help them develop their critical thinking, communication, and problem-
solving skills.
Students are also better equipped for the demands of today’s workforce, where
remote work and virtual collaboration are increasingly common.
II. Digital Collaborative Tools and Platforms
The choice of remote collaboration tools for teachers depends on their specific needs and
preferences. Some popular and effective tools include:
1. Video Conferencing Platforms
Video conferencing platforms are platforms that allows two or more people to
emulate a person-to-person meeting over the internet using real-time, multidirectional video
and audio streaming.
a. Zoom
Zoom is a versatile video conferencing tool that has quickly become a go-to choice
for online educators. With its user-friendly interface and robust feature set, Zoom
makes it easy for teachers and students to connect and engage in the virtual
classroom.
Notable Features:
 HD video and audio
 Breakout rooms for group work
 Virtual backgrounds and touch-up features
  Whiteboard and annotation tools
 Integration with learning management systems (LMS)
b. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams is a powerful communication and collaboration platform that
integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, making it an attractive option
for schools and universities already using Microsoft Office 365. Teams offer an
extensive array of features tailored to online education.
Notable Features:
 Google Docs works primarily online so there’s no need to save local files
on your computer. You can share files with anyone who has a Google
account using a simple link or sending a notification to their email
address, and set whether they have editor rights or view-only access.
 Google alerts you with email updates when someone shares a document
with you. You can see who has made recent revisions to a document and
team members can leave comments with questions and feedback.
 The software supports the import of Word files and converts them into an
editable format in Google Docs.

 Integration with Microsoft Office 365 apps b. Dropbox Paper

 High-quality video and audio Dropbox Paper is an online document collaboration tool created by Dropbox which
 Breakout rooms for group work you can use for free. Dropbox Paper is more than just a doc – it’s a co-editing tool
 Collaborative whiteboard that brings creation and coordination together in a single place.
 Class and staff notebooks
 Assignments and grading features  The paper helps you keep all your meeting notes organized. You can
collate your background docs, agenda, minutes, next steps, and task
assignments. You can keep track of important tasks and deadlines.
c. Google Meet Manage cross-functional teams by setting milestones, assigning to-dos,
and managing approvals where everyone can find them.
Google Meet is a user-friendly video conferencing platform that integrates  Paper can be used to brainstorm ideas and you can embed links to sites
seamlessly with Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) apps, making it an excellent such as YouTube and Pinterest, share ideas in real-time, and gather
choice for educational institutions already utilizing Google tools. With its simple feedback. You can use Paper to manage creative work with clients and
interface and reliable performance, Google Meet enables effective communication avoid long email chains and scattered files. All your information will be
and collaboration in the online classroom. stored in one place.

Notable Features:
c. Microsoft Word
 Integration with Google Workspace apps
Who hasn’t heard of Microsoft Word? Word is one of the most-used document
 High-quality video and audio
collaboration tools in the world and most people are familiar with the text editing
 Breakout rooms for group work features. Collaboration hasn’t been a strength of Microsoft Word but that all
 In-meeting chat and messaging changed with the launch of Office 365. All of Microsoft’s most popular apps are
 Live captions for improved accessibility delivered through the cloud and it provides a real alternative to tools like Google
Docs.
2. Document Collaboration Tools
 One of the best features of Microsoft Word is the ability to translate your
Document collaboration software allows teams to collaborate remotely on the document into different languages with the click of a button. You can
same document in real time. This document could be a text file, spreadsheet or transform your document into web pages for others to see. You can
PDF. Document collaboration software eliminates the need to save multiple versions of the quickly and easily share a document with colleagues using the real-time
same file, as all version history is stored in the editor. Users can revert back to a previous sharing feature.
version at any time.  You can now access Microsoft Word through Android, iOS, Web, and
Windows, so you can use the software across devices.
a. Google Docs
3. Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Google Docs is a cloud document collaboration tool created by Google. It’s
possible to make all your edits online and Google Docs saves all previous versions
of your files that you can revert back to whenever you feel like it.
 LMS software are developed to better execute remote learning efforts and improve
learner engagement. Universities, schools, and other institutions can offer online or hybrid
classes using an LMS.
A. Moodle
Among this list of learning management system examples, Moodle is probably the
most popular. This free and open-source learning platform that has been around
for quite some time. While it does not look as modern or as sleek as paid
competitors, its robust functionalities make it a great option for any academic
institution.
 The LMS is fully customizable and extensible to perfectly fit your needs.
The thousands of community-developed plugins will also allow you to add
new functionalities.
 Furthermore, it seamlessly integrates with solutions like NextCloud,
Google Apps, Microsoft Office 365, and more.
B. Schoology
Schoology is another fully-featured learning platform that aims to provide all the
tools that you need to design lessons, communicate with students, and collaborate
with educators.
 Its strength lies in its focus on building and connecting your learning
community from students to administrators.
 What’s more, it not only includes class-level channels but also allows you
to connect your entire school. This way, you can create online spaces
where students can engage with their teachers outside class hours.
c. Canvas
Canvas by Instructure is a popular learning ecosystem and online learning
management system among colleges and universities. Some of its clients are The
University of Utah and the University of Central Florida.
 It dubs itself as the world’s fastest-growing learning management
platform. The LMS is part of its digital learning solutions that include
powerful course assemblers, dashboards, test engines, and more.
 The platform’s modules allow educators to organize course work and
content into units. The Outcomes feature combines state-wide
assessment and grading rubrics that allow administrators to align with
existing standards.
 It even includes a comprehensive assessment management function
specifically for K-12 school districts. The LMS also includes Gradebook
and SpeedGrader, two of the most flexible and efficient grading tools in
the market.
4. Communication and Discussion Tools
In this digital age, numerous platforms have emerged, each offering unique
features and opportunities to enrich the educational experience. From fostering
collaboration and communication to facilitating project-based learning and remote
instruction, these platforms are redefining the boundaries of traditional classrooms.
a. Google Classroom
Google Classroom has become a staple in many educational settings due to its
intuitive design and compatibility with the suite of Google tools that many
educators and students are already familiar with.
 Its discussion board feature is particularly effective for fostering
communication and collaboration.
 For example, teachers can create discussion threads on specific topics or
readings, allowing students to post their thoughts and respond to their
peers. This can be incredibly engaging for literature classes, where
students can dissect different themes of a novel, or in a science class,
where they can discuss the implications of a recent experiment.
b. Microsoft Teams
Microsoft Teams, as part of the Microsoft 365 suite, offers a more dynamic
environment for group discussions, which is especially beneficial for collaborative
projects and interactive learning sessions.
 With its robust video conferencing feature, Teams enables real-time
discussions and face-to-face interaction, which is great for maintaining
engagement, especially in a remote learning context.
 For instance, during a project-based learning activity, students can break
into small groups using the breakout room feature, work collaboratively on
shared documents, and then present their findings to the larger class
group. Teachers can also hold virtual office hours, where students can
drop in to ask questions or discuss class materials in a more informal
setting.
c. Slack
Slack is an unconventional yet powerful tool in the educational domain, particularly
suitable for high school and university students.
  Its structured approach to communication, featuring organized channels
for various subjects or topics, fosters focused and streamlined
discussions.
 For example, a high school teacher could set up different channels for
each unit of a course, such as “Shakespearean Literature” or “Biology –
Cell Theory,” allowing students to engage in topic-specific dialogues and
resource sharing. This organization helps keep discussions contextual
and relevant.
5. Presentation and Whiteboarding Tools
Presentation tools are software applications that enable users to visually present
ideas or share knowledge. These presentations are delivered in a slide-show format using a
combination of text, images and other graphic elements.
a. Google Slides
Google Slides is the presentation software available via your Google account. Just
like you can create documents and spreadsheets with Google Docs and Sheets,
you can create presentations with Google Slides.
 The setup is very similar to PowerPoint and is free to use for anyone with
a google account. There is a business version called G Suite, which
includes the same things with more storage and management
capabilities.
 Compared to other examples of presentation software, Google Slides is
very easy to use. The controls are very similar to Google Docs and
Sheets.
b. Microsoft PowerPoint
This list wouldn't have been complete without the most popular presentation
software in the world. Even though there are tons of more advanced presentation
tools out there now, PowerPoint is still a favorite of many because of its familiarity,
ease of use and availability. PowerPoint Online is free on any device, including
mobile.
 Most, if not every, computer user knows how to work a PowerPoint. The
traditional sidebar interface is easy to use simply because it's familiar. But
for people who are using PowerPoint for the first time, there might be a
slight learning curve.
 Businesses, individuals, students, teachers and anyone who uses a
Windows PC or device. PowerPoint is also a good fit for people who want
to create simple, conventional presentations, and aren't looking for fancy
new features or capabilities.
c. Canva
Canva is not only a presentation software but also a full editing program for all
visual needs. Presentation creation is only one of the possibilities with Canva. It
has become a favorite with bloggers and home-based businesses.
 Canva is easy to use as all elements are easy to find and are mostly
customizable. Presentations are viewed scrolling; there is no master view
and you can’t change something on all slides at once.
 There are lots of customizable template options, and each slide inside the
templates can be used individually.
 There are plenty of options in the graphic assets’ library, including shapes,
icons, photos, frames and stickers. Some are free, while others are paid.
 Canva offers dozens of integrations and media embed options, including
YouTube, Google Maps, Vimeo, Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter and more.
 There are several animation options that apply to entire slides inside
Canva. You can also add animated stickers to your slides.
 Presentations can be shared for editing with team members.
6. Online Assessment and Quizzing Tools
Incorporating these digital assessments into your classes is a perfect tool to test
your students’ knowledge in an engaging, gamified way. Many digital tools also track and
record grades and responses for you to get a full breakdown of your classroom learning.
This automatic grading allows frees up more of your time so that it can be better spent on
what matters most.
a. Google Forms
Google Forms can be used to assess your students in a variety of ways. Not just
for quizzes, but also for surveying, exit tickets, and many more customizable
options. Google Forms can grade submissions automatically and is integrated right
in with Google Classroom so that all of your data is in one place.
Features
 Collaborate with others during the creation of the form
 Store form responses on a spreadsheet
 Share online, through email, or by PDF and paper
b. Quizizz
Quizizz is an interactive polling platform that integrates with other popular teaching
applications, like Google Classroom. Create your own Quizizz or handpicked
questions from the millions of free already created questions by teachers. Students
can use any device to answer questions at their own pace, and Quizizz will grade
them for you automatically.
 Features
 Live Mode or Homework mode for in-person or remote teaching
 Individualized scoring reports by student and question
 Integrate with Google Classroom to store all data in one place
c. Kahoot
A favorite amount student response apps, Kahoot! is a game-based way for you to
ask your students questions. Kahoot! can be played live, in groups, or assigned as
homework. Used on the web, there are no downloads or signups for your students.
Features
 Free access to a library of premade Kahoots
 Share results after a Kahoot is completed
 Add photos, videos, and diagrams to your Kahoots
Remember, the best tools vary based on individual needs, available resources, and the
specific requirements of the educational setting.
III. Benefits of Digital Collaboration in Classroom
Digital collaboration in classroom has many advantages for both teachers and
students. It enables students to participate in collaborative learning, work on group projects
together, and share knowledge and ideas.
Whereas, teachers can employ digital collaboration tools to make the learning
environment more engaging and dynamic. Let us discuss some of the benefits of digital
collaboration in classroom.
1. Increased participation
Digital collaboration in classroom provides students with a platform where they can
openly discuss and share their ideas and opinions with each other. With the help of digital
collaboration there is a flow of information in the classroom.
 Helps in encouraging student’s participation
 Promotes classroom discussion
 Allows students to collaborate with each other to finish assigned tasks and
assignments
 Students get a better platform to express their ideas and opinions with each other
 Encourages students’ active participation and discussion
2. More efficient communication
Digital collaboration tools help in providing easy communication between teachers
and students. It acts as a bridge between them to have access to easy and smooth
communication. Teachers can also use digital collaboration platforms to share any important
announcements or assignments with their students.
 Promotes communication between teacher and students
 There is no need for face-to-face encounters
 Reduces travel time
3. Improved critical thinking abilities
Digital collaboration in classroom helps students to think differently. It provides them
a platform to explore diverse perspectives during the learning process. With
the collaborative learning approach, teachers and students can think out of the box.
 Students think more creatively
 Helps in the development of problem solving and decision-making skills
 It also promotes individual thinking ability
 It encourages kids to think beyond their own experiences
4. Possibility for a variety of viewpoints
Digital collaboration in classroom fosters a more inclusive learning environment that
appreciates variety and encourages cross-cultural dialogue and collaboration by giving a
space for varied perspectives. It is a great way to work together effectively and efficiently.
 Students and teachers from different backgrounds can collaborate with each other
 Helps in promoting diversity of thoughts and ideas
 Cultural and social viewpoints are encouraged within the classroom premises
 In the classroom, it promotes empathy and understanding
IV. Challenges of Digital Collaboration in Classroom
1. Technical issues
This is the most common issue faced by teachers and students
during collaborative learning approach in the classroom. These difficulties can interfere in
the learning process and cause delays. Other major problems could be network issues,
connectivity issues, equipment malfunctioning, software incompatibility etc.
2. Lack of student participation
Teachers face a lot of issues regarding student participation during the process
of digital collaboration in classroom. Due to lack of face-to-face interaction students and
teachers find it difficult to open up with each other. It leads to difficulty in building
relationships, decreased socialization between students and teachers etc.
3. Security and privacy issues
 While using digital collaboration tools, teachers and students are aware of
cybercrimes. Such as hacking, malware etc. Sometimes they share important and sensitive
information with each other which can compromise personal information.

V. Strategies for Implementing Digital Collaboration

1. Choose the right digital collaboration tools

Teachers should select the digital collaboration tools which will be appropriate
for their students’ requirements and align with their learning objectives. While choosing the
tool ensure that it is user friendly, reliable, secure and easily accessible.

UNIT 3: SELECT AND USE ICT TOOLS AND APP FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING

What is ICT?
2. Create a collaborative learning environment
• It stands for Information and Communication Technology
A collaborative learning environment that helps to encourage students to work
• It refers to various tools and devices or gadgets, used in communicating,
together and share knowledge is important. Teachers can set clear guidelines for
communication and collaboration, and encourage active participation in the classroom. disseminating, creating storing and managing information.
ICT Integration in Education

• Allows effective collaboration.

3. Provide training and support • Easy processing of information
• Allows easy sharing of resources.
It is important for both students and teachers to effectively use digital
• Allows creativity.
collaboration tools. With proper training and support it will become easier for teachers and
students to use technical tools and include them in the learning process. ICT TOOLS

USING MOBILE PHONE AND THE QR CODE

4. Set clear learning objectives QR Code

You can set specific learning goals and expectations for collaborative activities.  QR stands for “Quick Response”
This can help students stay engaged and motivated while also ensuring that they meet the  A code that was developed by Japanese corporation Denso-Wave in
learning objectives. 1994.
 Allows reader to decode information at a high rate of speed.

5. Structured class activities

Ten Interesting Ways to Integrate QR Codes in Your Teaching
Indulging in class activities will help students collaborate with each other. Include group
1. Create interactive and engaging content.
activities in your class plans, as well as collaborative projects that require students to
collaborate. Encourage students to take on diverse responsibilities within the group, and  You can enrich the content you teach in class by using QR Codes that link
allow for peer input and evaluation. to other readings and resources.
2. Scavenger Hunts
  Create an interactive classroom activity such as the Scavenger's Hunt by 1. To present survey data
using QR codes that provide directions or instructions resulting in better  Presenting statistical data is highly useful.
learner engagement.  Data are much easier to decode and understood it they are presented by
3. Share Resources infographic
 Learners can use Qr Codes to share educational resources with each 2. To simplify complex concept
other.  Simplifying data Is the core purpose of infographics .
4. Enhance Classroom Library  It is very effective in summarizing key points or providing an overview of
 Create QR Codes of students' brief write-ups about why they enjoy their the lesson
book and put them right in or on the books in the class library. 3. To Explain how something function.
5. Use in classroom activities.  by using infographics, you can show the intricacy of how something
 It can be used giving instructions in class and pin them up inside the complex works. It can reveal the mechanics behind how an object works
classroom instead of providing them with thick copies of printed materials 4. To compare
giving instruction on how to do an activity.  Presenting information by highlighting similarities and differences through
6. Gather Students Feedback a visual parallel in an infographic can turn out more effective than
 You can create surveys, polls and forms using google form and share sometimes expressing it in words.
them with students as QRCodes which can be easily scanned and 5. To present interesting facts.
accessed.  It can transform the information into visual image that can attract and
engage readers.
7. Provide Help with Homework IPAD/ TABLET AND THE ONLINE BULLETIN BOARD
 A detailed Code which students scan at home and use the information to
help them comply with their assignment. Bulletin Board
8. Research Project
 a surface intended for the posting of public messages, for example, to
 Make students create QR Codes linking other resources and web content advertise items wanted or for sale, announce events, or provide information.
to their research work.  a website or web page where users can post comments about a
9. Communicate with Parents or Partners particular issue or topic and reply to other users' postings.
 You can share information to parents on school events or activities in
school.
10. Provide Easy Access to Online Content Steps In Creating an Online Bulletin Board
 Create QR Codes with URLs for students to gain easy access to online
1. Search for padlet.com
resources.
2. Sign up or log in
USING LAPTOP AND INFOGRAPHICS 3. You can use other bulletin boards styles or create your own
What is an Infographic? -Start with a blank or pick a template
 A visual representation or an image such as diagram, chart or picture
representing information or data. -Make your posts
 It is eye-catching and makes use of a clear layout, attractive colors and
-Make it however you want, and you can modify
hues, and caricatures that provide a cohesive presentation of the
information. -Share
 One tool that can be used in creating infographics is Canva
4. Join a Padlet
Ways to use Infographics
OTHER TOOLS
 Quiz Maker - https://testmoz.com/
Poll Maker - http://www.profrpfs.com
Storytelling Online - http://www.storylineonline.net/
Rubrics Library- http://school.discoveryeducation.com/schrockguide/assess.html
Online Journal - http://penzu.com/
Mind Map Tool - https:/www.edrawsoft.com/freemind.php
Interactive Poster - http://www.glogster.com/
Graphic Organizers - http://www.educationoasis.com/printables/graphic-organizers/
UNIT 4: TYPES OF ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING A SYNCHRONOUS AND
ASYNCHRONOUS
Synchronous in Online learning
Synchronous learning means that although you will be learning from a distance,
you will virtually attend a class session each week, at the same time as your instructor and
classmates. The class is a firm, weekly time commitment that cannot be rescheduled. Much
like an on-campus class, you will have readings and assignments to complete outside of
class time to help prepare you to participate in the discussion. This kind of preparation from
students, along with a dedicated agenda set by the instructor, ensures each class session is
productive.
“A lot of careful planning and set up ahead of time makes those sessions into
meaningful connections,” Muir said. “If the students can do it, and it’s thought through well
by instructors, it can be a really powerful thing to add.”
Online synchronous learning doesn’t always just take the form of a live video
lecture or an instructor-led discussion. Often, students will lead discussions themselves or
give presentations to the rest of the class. In an online class, group work doesn’t go away, it
just looks a little different. Muir explains that some instructors will pose case studies to
students, who then have to negotiate an answer first as a small group and then together, as
a class. Specific types of activities included in a synchronous course depend on the course
and the program.
“There’s a lot of discipline-specific, really active things that go on in those sessions
that aren’t just the equivalent of a recorded lecture,” Muir said. “It really is the same as doing
some sort of activity in the classroom, just in a virtual setting.
Knowing where your students stand during and immediately after the lesson also
helps instructors personalize and plan their lessons to best suit each class. Some classes
might understand certain parts of the material better than others, so knowing where they
need to focus helps make the learning experience better for their students.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Synchronous Learning:
Synchronous Advantages
 Students can ask questions and get answers in real-time, as the session is
proceeding.
 The instructor can gauge the students understanding in real-time, and adjust the
session accordingly.
 Students feel an increased sense of the instructor actually “being there”.
 Instructors can facilitate workshop-style classes and run breakout group activities
 Live chats or office hours allow for real-time interaction, like a conversation.
 Synchronous sessions provide a schedule to help students who struggle with task
initiation to stay on track
Synchronous Disadvantages
 Some students might not be able to participate at the required time due to
technical or scheduling problems. They may be in different time zones.
 AODA (accessibility) requirements may be more difficult to meet – for example,
providing captioning for a live presentation.
Students learn more than just the material.Instructors always have a goal in mind when
creating lessons, but some of the best learning happens when more organic conversations
unfold around the material. With synchronous learning, students can engage with the
material at the same time and place which means they can interrupt the lecture to ask
questions which can lead to a more narrow, targeted discussion.Some of the best learning
opportunities come from these spontaneous questions and discussions, which is something
only synchronous learning can provide.Instructors are able to personalize and adapt their
lessons more easily with synchronous learning, teachers can feel the pulse of the room and
have a much greater idea about which parts of the lesson students understand and which
they might need to spend more time reviewing. This doesn’t always happen naturally with
asynchronous learning.
For instance, an instructor who notices a sea of confused faces when they go over part
of a lesson might end up spending more time reviewing that confusing aspect. Some
students might simply ask the teacher to spend more time on that part of the lesson.
 Knowing where your students stand during and immediately after the lesson also helps
instructors personalize and plan their lessons to best suit each class. Some classes might
understand certain parts of the material better than others, so knowing where they need to
focus helps make the learning experience better for their students.
Asynchronous in Online Learning
Asynchronous learning means that the instructor and the students in the course
all engage with the course content at different times (and from different locations). The
instructor provides students with a sequence of units which the students move through as
their schedules permit. Each unit might make use of assigned readings or uploaded media,
online quizzes, discussion boards, and more. The instructor guides the students, provides
them with feedback, and assesses them as needed. Asynchronous learning allows you to
learn on your own schedule, within a certain timeframe. You can access and complete
lectures, readings, homework and other learning materials at any time during a one- or two-
week period.
“A big benefit to asynchronous classes is, of course, the flexibility. Asynchronous
online classes mean that you don’t always need to be online at the same time as your
instructor or classmates,” said Instructional Designer John Muir, who works with faculty to
develop classes for Ohio State’s online programs. “We know that students who are looking
to take an entire program online are partially looking for that flexibility.”
Online asynchronous classes might include short videos teaching key concepts
that you can watch over and over again, if necessary. In some classes, students can also
complete homework assignments and receive immediate feedback, as opposed to waiting
for instructors to grade them.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Asynchronous Learning:
Advantages:
 Recorded sessions allow students time to digest the session content and/or
conduct further research before posing questions in a discussion group. This is
better for more deliberate thinkers and also, in some cases, for students whose
first language is not English.
 Students can access the course content, and initiate or respond to interactions with
the instructor and their peers, when it best suits their schedule.
 Students can re-watch recorded sessions to deepen their learning, or to review
content prior to a final exam. Students can likewise review threads in discussion
groups long after those discussions have taken place.
 More democratic: during a live session, only a small number of students will be
able to ask questions; in an online discussion group all students can pose
questions or make comments.
 Allows students to work around unanticipated challenges such as falling sick for a
week, or dealing with a family emergency.
Disadvantages :
 Students might feel less connected to an instructor when they are watching a
recorded session.
 Students might feel less connected to the course overall when they do not see
their classmates.
 Students might put off engaging with a recorded session because they can always
“do it later.”
 Asynchronous learning requires significant task initiation skills since none of the
class time is scheduled, only the assessment deadlines.
 Asynchronous learning requires a higher level of commitment and independent
learning skills.
Asynchronous learning can include:
 Watching pre-recorded video lessons
 Viewing video demonstrations
 Reading and writing assignments at a student’s own pace
 Quizzing students on required readings
 Posting online class discussions via discussion boards
Benefits of asynchronous learning
The benefits of asynchronous online learning are numerous and an important part
of any online course. In fact, asynchronous learning is useful for nearly all learning
environments whether in-person or online.
Students learn on their own time with asynchronous online learning, students gain
the flexibility to learn at whatever time that works best for them or fits their schedule.A
learner doesn’t have to stress about making it to class on time because they are viewing
pre-recorded lessons, doing readings, and completing assignments on their own schedule.
For instance, a student might have a day job that prevents them from attending classes
during a specific time.
The ability for students to be able to access learning materials on their own time is
invaluable for all students, but necessary for some.Students learn at their own
pace.Students are able to engage directly with the material when learning asynchronously
because they have control over the learning materials. If the material is challenging, a
learner is able to pause the instruction to write notes, move back to a part they found
confusing, or even re-listen to a lecture to make sure they understand.
Understanding the learning material can all happen in chunks which makes it
particularly useful for students with attention problems who might miss important concepts
during in-person instruction.
Don’t discount the empowerment that a student will feel by having control over
their learning. Many students might never have been given the opportunity to engage with
their learning in such a meaningful way before if they’ve only ever encountered traditional
learning models or pedagogy.

Like many benefits of asynchronous learning, students being able to learn at their
own pace is great for all students. However, some students need the extra time and
flexibility because without it they might get left behind or not learn the material at all.

This one’s relatively simple. Instead of having to give the same lesson 4-7 times a
day, an instructor can record their lesson once as a video for all of their sections with
asynchronous teaching. This can free up the instructor’s flexibility and availability to their
students who might have questions about the material. It also allows an instructor to perfect
their lesson.

If they didn’t like how they presented the information, instructors can always re-
record sections of the lesson before sending it off for students to engage with.

We know it’s easier said than done when it comes to introducing new technology
into the classroom. That’s why Software Advice can ease your hesitancy and help with this
transition through Video Making Software Buyers Guide. With video creation, editing,
capture, and pre-made templates, this tool makes it easier for instructors to record videos
ahead of time.