A Comparative Study of Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning during COVID-19 Crisis

Proceedings of The 4th International Academic Conference on Education, Teaching and Learning

Year: 2021

DOI: https://www.doi.org/10.33422/4th.iacetl.2021.10.10

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A Comparative Study of Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning during COVID-19 Crisis

Khalid Baba, Nour-Eddine Elfaddouli and Nicolas Cheimanoff

ABSTRACT: 

E-learning is gaining popularity all around the world particularly after the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic. Two main formats of E-learning are synchronous and asynchronous learning.  With the advent of technology, both these formats have been improved tremendously especially after the pandemic. This study aimed to review the literature for comparing synchronous and asynchronous learning in various ways such as their similarities, differences, advantages over each other, and challenges that are faced while employing these modes of learning. To the best of our knowledge, there is a mixed notion between students and instructors regarding which format is better than the other as both formats have their shortcomings. It was also found that synchronous and asynchronous learning approaches could be blended to overcome the shortcomings that are faced separately in both online learning formats. It can be concluded that an instructor should consider course contents, learning outcomes, students’ motivation, and needs before deciding on which format of online learning should be applied in the given coursework.

keywords: online learning, synchronous learning, asynchronous learning, comparative study, literature review.