Synchronous & Asynchronous Online Learning Environments

Synchronous vs. Asynchronous: What's the Difference?

In general, Synchronous online learning activities occur at a particular predetermined time, in a "live" virtual class or meeting setting. In contrast, Asynchronous online learning activities can be completed by students on their own time, so long as this is before the due date. Here is a great resource going into the differences between these two types of online learning. Links to an external site.

Note that SJSU has more than 2 options for teaching in the Fall 2021 term: Here is how SJSU differentiates the different Instructional Modes that you can choose this upcoming term Links to an external site..  (Please note that under most circumstances you must teach the course in the mode "advertised" on the SJSU Schedule of Classes.)

 

Synchronous formats can often be particularly challenging when it comes to creating engaging and meaningful online learning experiences for students. For some ideas on synchronous strategies/activities, check out the following resources:

• https://www.rochester.edu/college/cetl/faculty/online/la-synchronous.html Links to an external site.
• https://learn.canvas.net/courses/45/pages/day-five-synchronous-learning-activities Links to an external site.
• https://carleton.ca/edc/teachingresources/teaching-with-technology/synchronous-learning-tools Links to an external site.