Asynchronous learning does have some disadvantages, but not many. Some disadvantages may include students not feeling connected to the group or facilitator, which may cause lack of motivation. Another disadvantage may be if a facilitator does not demonstrate or help students associate new information to real-world experiences. Adult learners need to assess learning based on personal goals or an aid to improve current ability levels.
Reference: Assesswave. (2002). Advantages and Disadvantages of Learning in a Hypertext Environment. Retrieved from http://www.accesswave.ca/~hgunn/special/papers/hypertxt/index.html
Synchronous learning does have some disadvantages, I admit.
ReplyDelete* The timing is not flexible - I can go to class in my pj's, but it has to be at 6pm (or whenever). I can't decide to take a day off and catch up the next day.
* Video and chat are not a perfect substitute for personal communication. Emoticons, while helpful, cannot always convey people's true reactions.
* Time delay - while synchronous learning is as close to real-time as technologically possible, there is still a delay. There is still the opportunity for people to correct their spelling, change their minds about what to say, or mask their reactions to a topic.
* Technology - While we all love technology, we all know that it breaks! And when you're aiming for a real-time environment, every second that the microphone, webcam, or software-sharing program is broken is a crucial loss of time and money.
* Expense - From a hiring manager's point of view: synchronous learning is expensive! I can't just launch a training program online and have it there for aeons just as it is - I have to pay a facilitator to be there, in person, for every class session.