Remote learning has been the norm in the country since the onset of the pandemic. However, not all kind of online learning is the same. Educators have to choose between synchronous and asynchronous learning styles. As long as educators and students have high fiber internet, they can access the materials they need to make the online learning work.
The question is: which is better among the two? This article will talk about the difference between the two. It will also shed some light on which type of learning is more effective, especially in the Philippine setting. Upon reading this, readers will better appreciate both types of online teaching.

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What is synchronous learning?
In synchronous learning, students learn from their educators in real-time. This is the most traditional type of learning. Synchronous meetings mimic the traditional classroom setup because there is real-time interaction. Despite the distance, online students engage not only with their teachers but their classmates as well.
Learning occurs in the form of live webinars and videoconferences. Thus, students are required to attend online classes at designated schedules. Like in traditional learning, students have to fix their schedules around their synchronous classes.
However, synchronous learning doesn’t end when the online class wraps up. Students are still required to prepare before their meetings in the form of readings and assignments. This kind of preparation helps students stay productive in online classes.
What’s great about synchronous learning is that students get immediate feedback from their instructors. There is some sense of belongingness because students engage with other online learners. There are usually chat rooms and instant messaging platforms for learning activities and to promote social interaction among learners.
In addition, synchronous learning helps students improve their presentation skills. Students don’t just listen in on the online lectures. They’re also encouraged to participate and practice their public speaking skills.
On the other hand, synchronous online classes require learners to go out of their way to attend their classes. If they don’t get to attend their classes, they might miss out on plenty of learning opportunities, just like in in-person classes.
In addition, synchronous learning requires a very strong internet connection. Otherwise, technical difficulties might get in the way of the learning process.
What is asynchronous learning?
Meanwhile, asynchronous learning allows students to learn at their own pace, within a specific time frame. When you’re taking asynchronous online classes, you can access materials such as readings, complete lectures, and other learning materials at any time.
Asynchronous classes involve tools that allow the learning process to adjust to students’ own schedules. These tools may include recorded presentations, email exchanges, discussion boards, social media groups, and cloud-based collaborative documents.
What makes asynchronous learning so ideal for some students is flexibility. If you’re taking an asynchronous class, you can manage your own time. If you have a demanding schedule, you can still progress in your online program. That’s why asynchronous classes are ideal for people with plenty of obligations on their plates. As long as you have fiber internet for home, you access all the materials of your online courses with ease.
Group work in asynchronous learning requires plenty of collaboration in Google docs and other popular platforms. No matter what time zone they live in, they can still work on projects. This aspect of asynchronous learning makes it possible for students to work together despite being in different locations.
While asynchronous learning has plenty of advantages, this learning style requires plenty of discipline. You need to be able to juggle all your obligations while finishing your asynchronous learning materials.
In addition, while getting to manage your own time is great, you miss out on the benefits of real-time interaction, which aids in your social learning. The isolation of asynchronous learning can impact students’ mental well, too.
What does synchronous and asynchronous learning have in common?

While asynchronous and synchronous learning has their key differences, they share some similarities as well. Both remote learning styles allow learners to attend classes from anywhere in the world. E-learning has paved the way for students to continue their studies despite logistical challenges. No matter where the instructor or student is, the learning process continues.
Another thing synchronous and asynchronous learning have in common is the ability to communicate with instructors regularly. With the help of a stable internet provider in the Philippines, a student can access live video materials and the chat feature that allows them to communicate with their instructors.
Both online learning types also enable students to expand their network. Your network is your net worth, and you have the opportunity to get to know other individuals within your realm of interest. This opportunity might prove to be useful in the long haul.
Choosing the best online learning type

Now that we’ve delved into the synchronous vs asynchronous learning discussion, which learning type is better? The truth is that it depends.
The freedom to learn at your own pace can be liberating, but you miss out on the benefits of immediate feedback. Student engagement can be beneficial to learners, but you can’t manage your own schedule if you choose synchronous learning.
At the end of the day, you have to weigh the pros of these learning types. You should choose the online education that best suits your own learning style. Regardless of whether you choose synchronous learning or not, what you need is a great fiber internet for your home.
As one of the newest internet providers in the Philippines, we at Streamtech will allow you to attend your asynchronous learning activities with ease. Our high-speed internet plan enables learners to access audio files and other important materials for better learning.
If you want to maximize your synchronous or asynchronous learning experience, we can supply you with a cost-effective high-speed internet plan. Contact our team today to learn more.