Synchronous learning refers to a group of people learning the same things at the same time in the same place. This is the type of pedagogy practiced in most schools and undergraduate programs, but not in graduate programs. Lecture is an example of synchronous learning in a face-to-face environment and with advent of web conferencing tools, people can learn at the same time in different places as well. For example, use of instant messaging or live chat, webinars and video conferencing allow for students and teachers to collaborate and learn in real time.
Advantages of synchronous online learning is very similar to an actual classroom, in that it permits immediate feedback, and detailed collaboration both with instructors and fellow students. The synchronous model also allows for various real-time activities, providing for continuing motivation for the students. In addition, as compared to asynchronous model, synchronous online learning promotes a sense of community between the students and teachers.
Another advantage is definitely the cost factor, when an individual student is studying at home or at the workplace, the cost reduction when compared to conventional in-session, live learning or training, is significant.
Quality of teaching is another advantage. Because the physical barriers of distance are eliminated, it becomes possible to deliver educational sessions from the reputable and knowledgeable instructors, anywhere in the world.
The advantage of flexibility must not be overlooked. Students and teachers may attend from any location, anywhere in the world. I unable to attend, the online learning environment will typically have a session recording function to allow students to go back later and review the session at their convenience.
Online learning allows students to gain confidence and pride in their work. Email , chat, online discussion forums and other collaborative tools offer rapid feedback and encourage participation from even the most reticent student.
Disadvantages of online learning requires confidence level with technology, which some students may lack. While technology does allow for interaction to take place at great distances, the realities of time zone accommodation come into play. It may very convenient for students in one time zone to participate, but students several time zones away may encounter scheduling problems.
Lastly, bandwidth may be a consideration, Online learning, especially when collaborative technologies are being used along with live video feeds, calls for reliable broadband connections. While many areas may take broadband for granted, it may not be readily available or affordable to some students, and dial-up line will prove inadequate very quickly.

Asynchronous learning is a student-centered teaching method that uses online learning resources to facilitate information sharing outside the constraints of time and place among a network of people. Asynchronous learning is based on constructivist theory, a student-centered approach that emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer interactions. This approach combines self-study with asynchronous interactions to promote learning, and it can be used to facilitate learning in traditional on-campus education, distance education, and continuing education. This combined network of learners and the electronic network in which they communicate are referred to as an asynchronous learning network.
The online learning resources used to support asynchronous learning include email, electronic mailing lists, threaded conferencing systems, online discussion board, wikis and blogs. Course management systems such as Campus Cruiser LMS, Blackboard, WebCT, Moodle, and Sakai, have been developed to support online interaction, allowing users to organize discussions, post and reply to messages, and upload and access multimedia.
Advantages of asynchronous online learning far outweigh the disadvantages and this approach has the ability to an overwhelmingly positive impact on the overarching learning objectives for most courses. One such advantage is the result of the way is employed. All comments from the students and the instructor are saved throughout the class and organized by discussion and date. This provides students with the opportunity to take in all of the materials that are presented and reflect on all the concepts at an appropriate time. This advantage benefits students who generally take poor notes or forced to attend extremely large classes by assuring they do not miss important information.
Disadvantages of asynchronous online learning is the sense of being disconnected from the group that students may potentially develop. A student that does not feel connected with the class or instructor may lose motivation, interest and ultimately find that learning and retaining the material is nearly impossible.
Another potential disadvantage can occur when the instructor does not help student see how the classes are important to the personal goals of the student. This gap in understanding on the part of the student increases the risk of failure significantly. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ www.business-software.com en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ jamesballou.com/Tabula/?p=32