Online courses are usually offered in three different formats: hybrid format, synchronous and asynchronous. Students are usually required to pay special attention while registering for a course to recognize which format is designated for them.
Hybrid format Hybrid courses can also be called half and half as they take place in both physical and online platforms, content and learning are provided on both platforms by the faculty. The schedule for the on-campus classes is provided to the students beforehand for their ease. This format makes it easier for students to work with teachers both at home and at school. Having the content of the course in both formats online and in hand can also help maximize the student’s engagement in the course as written by Laura Lloyd Smith in her book. This can also be useful for students to communicate with teachers outside of the class using online methods. The hybrid format also has its dark sides, not all students have the same motivation to study. The hybrid system does not favor the lesser motivated students as online learning is more difficult for them with all the distractions it has. Another issue of the hybrid system is that teachers have to work more because of catering both formats they have to conduct classes at school and do relevant work related to them as well as cater students online and have the work for them as well, unfortunately not many teachers are willing to do so. Some teachers who are willing might go above and beyond and as a result that may overwork the students. This is another issue with the hybrid system. Students having these issues can take the help of “Online Class Help” for the best online course help. Synchronous format Synchronous courses deliver content and communicate via the internet completely. In this format, students are required to meet with their teachers online at a set time period and attend the classes and participate in learning activities. Synchronous learning allows immediate personal communication between teacher and students which creates a feeling of community and decreases the feeling of isolation which is mostly helpful for students who are either shy or embarrassed to speak up on their own. More responsive communication between teachers and students prevents misunderstanding or miscommunication. Synchronous learning is also not all good as the schedule shared with the students and the teachers might conflict with their own personal or work-related activities and create a challenge for them to conduct or take an online class. Other than the issue of meeting the time period given to the students, some students might not have the best Wi-Fi available at that time period or have some other technical issue that will come in the way of their learning. Students having issues like these can just ask “Online Class Help” for the help they require. Online Asynchronous Format Asynchronous courses deliver content and communicate via the internet completely. In this format, students should have basic technical skills and access to an internet-connected computer. There is no specific meeting time in this format though students are required to respect the deadlines within the courses. The asynchronous format offers more flexibility to students, which makes the learning experience more accessible to students and also makes past material accessible. This format also increases the engagement between teachers and students as the students have more time to explore the course material. Asynchronous learning also has its cons, in this format, the students may feel less satisfied without the social interaction between them and other students and the teachers. The course material provided by the instructors may also be misunderstood or have the potential to be mistaken without real-time interaction.
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