2. What is the difference between asynchronous and synchronous communication? Name and describe the Internet communication tools that fall into each category.
Asynchronous communication allows collaboration between two or more parties without all parties involved being present at the same time. Most communication between devices with computers and between computers and external devices fall into this category. Through asynchronous communication people are able to connect together at each person's own convenience and schedule. Though communication often becomes very impersonal, it provides the opportunity to properly analyze the message and think about a meaningful response. Asynchronous tools are useful in sustaining dialogue and other valuable information that can easily be accessed, day or night. One advantage of these tools is the ability to involve people from multiple time zones. They are also helpful in tracking the history of group interactions. Some examples of these tools and their uses are listed below:
Email Messages (most popular): One-to-one or one-to-many communication, acts as a virtual post office box
Discussion Boards: Dialogue that takes place over a period of time
Blogging: Sharing ideas and comments
According to Lever - Duffy and McDonald, “Synchronous communication is a method of communicating in which the participants interact at the same time or in real time." Real time refers to sensing and responding to external events nearly simultaneously with their occurrence. All parties involved must be present in order for communication to take place. Participants are able to receive an immediate response but lack time to think about their response. It allows collaboration in a same time different place mode. This creates a communication challenge for participants in different time zones or with conflicting schedules. In addition, they tend to be costly due to the extra equipment required (speakers, microphone, webcam, etc). Some examples of these tools and their uses are listed below:
Web conferencing: Sharing presentations and information
Instant messaging: Ad hoc quick communication
Chat: Information sharing of low-complexity issues (public or private)
Video conferencing: Live voice and video messages
I took an online course where we were required to participate in both asynchronous and synchronous communication. We had weekly live audio chats and also responded to and commented on discussion postings. I must say, for me the asynchronous elements of the course were much more effective in terms of time utilization as well as quantity and relevance of ideas and information exchanged. The live chats were somewhat awkward because we had 14 students online at once and several people usually had some problems with their mic or could not hear. In one instance our chat was completely cut off due to a system malfunction at USM. Ultimately, I felt there was too much wasted time in this instance of synchronous communication.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I realized all the benefits you mentioned about asynchronous communication in the discussion board for this course. For example, each student posted a first draft of their papers on the board, then everyone chose three papers to critique. I received constructive feedback from my peers through this exercise.
Great job.
ReplyDeleteWe now have so many options for staying connected to the world around us! Synchronous and aynchronous are good labels for the categories of internet communication, but asynchronous can sometimes become synchronous. Since we are all more connected to the web than ever, often email can become a synchronous activity where we carry on a near-instant conversation.
ReplyDeleteAs Laurie said, there are often problems with synchronous communications. Especially when so many people are involved. Surely this will improve in the future, with faster computers and (more importantly) faster net connections.