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Introduction approach have some distinctly different
features (Best_Schools, 2020).
Today’s educational approach has
become more learner-centred and Synchronous online learning offers
technology driven. Also, the diverse benefits like active discussion,
nature of today’s classroom has immediate feedback, and a personal
increased demands on the teachers. familiarity that one can only get through
It emphasizes on use of a variety of real-time interaction. It also provides
teaching methodologies favouring more dynamic exploration of topics,
active participation of learners by ideas, and concepts (Lawless et al,
means of online learning tools. To face 2020). Video conferencing tools like
these challenges teachers need to equip Zoom, GMeet, Skype, WizIQ, Chatrooms
themselves with different educational can come handy to deliver enriching
approaches. learning experiences (Trach, 2018).
Considering these aspects, one cannot On other hand, some of the methods of
ignore the blooming field of ‘Online asynchronous online learning include
Learning’. It is one of the fastest self-guided lesson modules, streaming
growing trends in the 21st century. It video content, virtual libraries, posted
is the new face of teaching-learning. lecture notes, and exchanges across
Online learning offers flexibility to the discussion boards or social media
learners in terms of course selection, platforms. Thus, it is completely based
time, nature of the course, resources on the learner's understanding.
available, etc.
The major limitation of this mode is
lack of personal touch resulting into
Online Learning
lonely experience (Lawless et al, 2020).
Online learning can be grouped broadly Asynchronous platforms include email,
into two categories: Synchronous Google groups, discussion forums, social
(Sync) and Asynchronous (Async) media groups, collaborative documents
Learning. During Synchronous learning, in the cloud, etc. (Trach, 2018).
learning experiences are delivered The quality and integrity of the
in real time, whereas asynchronous educational process in distance learning
learning happens without real-time largely depends upon sustained, two-
interaction. A more effective synergy way communication (Kung-Ming, 2005).
of synchronous and asynchronous Thus, it is very essential to provide more
interaction is required for enhancing opportunities to learners to connect
quality of learning experiences.
with each other to exchange ideas and
Both the modes have their own benefits to construct knowledge. Cooperative
and limitations. Many hybrid learning learning is the good solution to bring
models include a blend of asynchronous elements of organised interactivity in
as well as synchronous online learning. Online Learning.
However, models which use a strictly
synchronous or asynchronous learning

264 Indian Journal of Educational Technology
Volume 3, Issue 2, July 2021