Bichronous Approach:

Blending Synchronous and

Asynchronous Online Learning
Objectives:
• Differentiate between the terms used to
describe asynchronous, synchronous, and
bichronous online learning.
• Evaluate the blending of synchronous and
asynchronous approach for a more thorough
bichronous approach .
• Identify best practices for synchronous ,
asynchronous and bichronous online learning
BICHRONOUS
APPROACH
Synchronous
Vs
Asynchronous

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 Synchronous
Synchronous Online learning is defined as a course in
which all content is delivered online, and students can
engage with it from anywhere . However, there are real time
meetings which students have to engage with at the same
time . (Martin & Oyarzun , 2017).
 TOOLS/RESOURCES IN SYNCHRONOUS
ONLINE LEARNING
VIDEO CONFERENCING
A vehicle
Live Chatting Livefor interactive
Streaming Virtual
Video Reality
Conferencing communication that enables one
set of people to see and hear
LINEYoutube Social VR Platforms Facebook Messenger OBS
Google Meet
people in a different location
iMessage

MS Team
Zoom
Skype
 Synchronous
Benefits
• There is a sense in immediacy and
spontaneity often not possible in
asynchronous sessions.
• They are ideal for personal
interactions both in plenary
sessions or small groups
• They can produce a greater sense
of community especially when
everyone gets to participate.
Drawbacks
• There may be scheduling difficulties
(especially across time zones)
• Synchronous sessions may be
challenging for people with families
and busy schedules
• They are biased for more extroverted
and articulated learners
• They often provide limited time for
reflections before responding to
questions
From Bali & Meler (2014)”An Affinity for Asynchronous Learning”
https: //hybridpedagogy.org/affinity-asynchronous-learning/
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Best Practices
in
Synchronous
Sessions
Set Direction
Focus on Active Learning
Be Flexible
Be the Host
Keep it Short
 Asynchronous
Asynchronous Online Learning is defined in the literature
as a course where there are no online real time meetings
and where all the content is delivered online, which
students can engage with at anytime and from anywhere
(Martin & Oyarzun, 2017)

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 Asynchronous
Benefits Drawbacks
• Flexibility • Isolation

• Practicability • Requires Self Discipline

• Affordability • Lack of Instant feedback

• Limited contact with
instructor
Best Practices
in
Asynchronous
Sessions
Create a Dynamic Agenda
Make it Interactive
Recommend Pacing
Assign Clear Deliverables
Provide Midway Feedback
Synchronous Asynchronous
Synchronous Asynchronous
Cognitive and Personal Dimensions of E- Learning

Asynchronous E- Learning Synchronous E- Learning

Cognitive Participation Personal Participation

Increased reflection and ability to Increased arousal , motivation and
process information convergence on meaning

Figure 1. Conceptual model for bichronous online learning

 Bichronous
The term Bichronous Online Learning is defined as the blending of
both synchronous and asynchronous online learning forms, so
that students can engage with the content from anywhere and at
anytime but also engage in the synchronous sessions in real time
learning (Martin et. al., 2020)
 Bichronous
Benefits Drawbacks
• Both learn at own pace • Scheduling conflict
• Immediate feedback and • Possibility of technical issues
interaction available
• Opportunity
for audio-visual
communication
 Asynchronous E- Learning
• Reflecting complex issues
• When synchronous meetings
When? cannot be scheduled because
of work , family and other
commitments
• Students have more time to
Why? reflect because the sender
does not expect an
immediate answer.
• Use asynchronous means
How? such as email, discussion
boards , and blogs
Synchronous E- Learning
• Discussing less complex issues
• Getting acquainted
• Planning Task
• Students become more
committed and motivated
because a quick response is
expected.
• Use synchronous means such as
video conferencing, instant
messaging and chat, and
complement with face-to-face
meetings. 37
Best Practices
in
Bichronous
Approach
Design Using a Matrix
Share Resources Used in
Class
 Do Vertical Stacking of
Approaches
Synchronous Asynchronous

Synchronous Asynchronous Asynchronous Synchronous

Thank You 

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