Synchronous vs. Asynchronous Classes: What You Need to Know
Are you interested in earning your MBA but not quite sure whether you’ll be able to handle the demands of a graduate-level curriculum? In good news, more schools have begun offering MBA programs that can be completed exclusively online with no need to commute to classes on a physical campus.
Online courses and degree programs have become a game-changer for working professionals and other busy adult learners who want to advance their education without making sacrifices in other areas of their lives. Before choosing an online MBA program, however, it’s important to understand the differences between asynchronous and synchronous learning.
Asynchronous Class Meaning
When it comes to synchronous vs. asynchronous classes, an asynchronous class is a course in which students can access course materials (including lectures and assignments) entirely on their own time. These courses have no set class times, so students can work at their own pace without the need to attend class at a certain date and time each week.
In an asynchronous class, students still communicate with each other and with their instructors or professors to demonstrate comprehension of course material. For example, an asynchronous class may require students to interact with each other by posting in a discussion forum or blog. Likewise, students may be tasked with completing independent research and/or similar projects and listening to pre-recorded lectures. Many asynchronous classes include a quiz or testing component that makes up a portion of a student’s final grade, although students have the freedom to take tests and exams on their own time.
Advantages of Asynchronous Learning
There are many advantages to asynchronous online learning, particularly for busy professionals who may not have time to dedicate to attending live courses at a set date and time each week. Asynchronous classes offer unrivaled flexibility in terms of time and location, allowing students to truly work at their own pace and on a schedule that suits their needs.
In many ways, asynchronous classes can provide additional accessibility for all types of learners, providing a more personalized experience that can enhance learning and comprehension. Meanwhile, the ability to revisit lessons and loop back around to previous lectures as needed can be especially convenient for some learners.
Synchronous Class Meaning
In a synchronous class, on the other hand, students and teachers meet in real time. This may be a “traditional” class that meets on a physical campus or online via video call, voice call, or live chat. When a class meets synchronously, there are typically assigned meeting dates and times agreed upon beforehand.
During an online synchronous class, students may listen to instructors deliver lectures in real time while taking notes. They may also participate in live discussions, ask questions for clarification, and even complete assignments or tests. Overall, an online synchronous class is designed to mimic the “traditional” classroom experience as much as possible while still allowing students the flexibility to participate from their own homes and devices.
Advantages of Synchronous Learning
Many students enjoy synchronous classes because they provide the opportunity for interaction that asynchronous classes do not. Students in this learning format can ask questions, participate in live discussions, and learn in real-time. Similarly, engaging with other students and professors in a live setting can promote a sense of community and belonging while providing students with ready access to their instructors when they need clarification or further guidance.
Some students prefer synchronous learning to asynchronous coursework because of the more rigid scheduling. For some types of learners, this added structure can help them stay on track and encourage them to better manage their time.
FAQs
Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between synchronous vs. asynchronous classes, you might have some additional questions. Below are answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions about asynchronous and synchronous learning.
Are most online classes asynchronous?
This is something that varies from program to program. At Boston University, our Online MBA program is designed with live, synchronous Zoom sessions that are highly interactive and meet once per week for about two hours. However, students should generally expect to complete a combination of synchronous and asynchronous coursework adding up to about 15-20 hours per week.
Is synchronous class face-to-face?
A synchronous class can be a traditional, face-to-face class that meets on a physical campus. However, it doesn’t have to be face-to-face to be considered synchronous learning. Many online classes are synchronous in the sense that they meet in real time via video chat or even voice chat. As long as the students and teachers are all meeting at the same time, they do not need to be face-to-face to reap the benefits of this type of learning.
What is a synchronous online class like?
The overall format of a synchronous online class can vary from one program and even one instructor to the next. Some instructors may prefer to use synchronous learning time to deliver lectures, whereas others may prefer to open up the discussion for comments and questions. Others may strike a balance by offering a live lecture component followed by a Q&A or open discussion.
Synchronous classes generally meet at the same time and day each week (just like a traditional class on a college campus) and may also incorporate quizzes, tests, exams, and projects.
Which is better, synchronous or asynchronous learning?
There’s really no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Neither option is inherently better or worse, as both synchronous and asynchronous classes have their advantages and potential drawbacks. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to assess your own unique strengths, weaknesses, and needs as a learner and determine what type of class is best suited for you.
Explore Online Degree Programs at Boston University
Both synchronous learning and asynchronous learning offer some inherent benefits for students taking online courses. Many online degree programs will incorporate a bit of both, but this can vary greatly from one school to the next. Ultimately, getting the most out of your learning experience is all about choosing the program that best suits your needs.
At Boston University, we’re proud to offer an Online MBA program that offers opportunities for both synchronous and asynchronous learning. Students in our Online MBA program attend live sessions each week of the semester that allow them to engage in real-time learning. To accommodate our students’ busy schedules, these sessions are offered at two different times of day.
To learn more about our Online MBA program or admissions requirements, get in touch with our team today. Ready to apply? You can start your online application for admission now! .
