What is asynchronous training?
When talking about online courses, two key terms often come up: synchronous and asynchronous training. Both belong to the world of e-learning, but they represent different approaches within online learning. Understanding these terms and their differences is essential.
Asynchronous learning, as the name suggests, refers to training that doesn’t take place in real-time with other activities. This type of learning can happen anytime and anywhere that suits the learner, as the educational materials (usually videos, documents, or exercises) are provided by instructors and made available for access whenever the learner needs them.
Differences between asynchronous and synchronous training
Synchronous training, on the other hand, requires all participants to start learning at the same time. This means that learners must connect at a specific time to attend live classes led by instructors.
The main difference between the two learning modes lies in how time is managed. While synchronous learning involves the instructor and students being present simultaneously, in e-learning through online platforms, asynchronous learning can happen whenever the learner prefers—at their own pace and on their own schedule.
Key features of asynchronous training
This model of learning has several key features:
- Flexible timing: Learners can access pre-recorded classes, documents, games, exercises, or any educational material at their convenience.
- Remote access: No need for a physical space or set schedule—participants can access the material from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Self-paced: Learners are responsible for managing their own progress, moving at their own speed and comprehension level.
- Resource variety: Courses typically include a wide range of interactive and multimedia resources, such as videos, tutorials, podcasts, readings, and exercises.
- Delayed interaction: Although there is interaction with peers and instructors, it doesn’t happen in real-time but via forums or comments on platforms.
Advantages and disadvantages of asynchronous training
Asynchronous learning is one of the most widely used methods today, offering multiple benefits for both formal education and corporate training. Let’s take a closer look.
Advantages:
- Time management and flexibility: Learners can plan their learning around their needs and free time, which is especially important for those with work schedules.
- Continuous access: Learning content is always available whenever and wherever the learner needs it.
- Cost-effective: Asynchronous learning is usually cheaper than synchronous since it doesn’t require live sessions or the availability of specific people or physical spaces.
- Global availability: This type of learning provides access to education for people worldwide, without geographical limitations.
Disadvantages:
- Self-discipline required: Learners need to be organized and motivated to keep up with the course without the structure and obligation of synchronous learning.
- Technology adaptation: Participants must have access to devices and a reliable internet connection.
Strategies and methods for asynchronous training
Asynchronous learning requires specific strategies and methods to maximize learning effectiveness without relying on the simultaneous presence of an instructor. Fortunately, there are many strategies and methods available today to enhance this type of learning. Here are some of them:
Asynchronous training strategies:
- Modular design: Break the content into small modules or lessons that help learners absorb the material more effectively and can be reused in different courses.
- Gamification: Incorporating game elements like rewards, badges, points, or leaderboards can motivate learners to progress through the course.
- Exercises and projects: Providing practical exercises and projects allows learners to reinforce the knowledge they’ve gained on their own.
- Periodic assessments: Give learners a way to track their progress without the need for instructor intervention. This can be done through quizzes, self-assessment exercises, or continuous feedback on activities and games.
- Various content formats: Using different learning formats helps maintain learner interest and caters to different learning needs and styles. Videos, articles, podcasts, tutorials, infographics, and more can be used.
Asynchronous training methods:
- Microlearning: Present content in small, easy-to-consume portions, which is ideal for improving retention and encouraging application of learning in the workplace.
- Video learning: Include short instructional videos that explain key concepts or provide practical demonstrations.
- Interactive content: Use tools like linked scenes, quizzes, games, and practical exercises to actively engage learners in the learning process.
- Webinars: Offer learners recordings of live seminars or conferences so they can access them at their convenience.
All the tools and resources for asynchronous training in one place
Now that you know the methods and strategies for asynchronous learning, it’s time to explore the best tools to achieve it. We’ve prepared a list of isEazy’s top tools to help boost your learners’ experience:
- isEazy LMS: Combines the best of a learning experience platform (LXP) and a powerful learning management system (LMS) in a next-gen platform where all your training content is organized in the most engaging and flexible way.
- isEazy Author: Quickly and independently create and share accessible, engaging, and effective e-learning courses without any experience required!
- isEazy Skills: Want to enhance your team’s skills and competencies? Now you can with the most complete catalog of power skills courses on the market, featuring agile, engaging formats tailored to new digital learning trends.
- isEazy Game: Check out the gamification app that puts employees at the heart of the company, with games, social dynamics, and collaborative environments that make learning more fun.
- isEazy Engage: Reach your professionals wherever they are with an app designed just for them, where they can access all the training, knowledge, tasks, and communication they need right from the palm of their hand.
Ready to discover the tools that will help you enhance your asynchronous learning? Request a demo!
