Asynchronous learning and communication

Taking classes online is a unique experience - at least to someone like me who has had many years of experience with learning (and teaching) in what is known in educational circles as "the Academy".

In online learning there is an attempt to simulate (or at least substitute for) the kind of interaction one has in a traditional classroom environment, with both the professor and the other students. You simulate that by posting regularly to a discussion board, with some measure of structured topics and enforced interaction (replying to at least X of others' posts). This is graded, too, not unlike "class participation" used to be.

Asynchronous learning has advantages and disadvantages. One of the most obvious disadvantages to me is an attempt to create a sense of community in the classroom without the face-face communication, the body language, the tone of voice, the hallway conversations on break about your personal lives or homework struggles. It seems so artificial, and you have to be so careful how you write things - they can be easily misinterpreted when communication is restricted to words on a page. Plus, emoticons are pretty much frowned upon in grad school. ;)

An advantage frequently touted for online learning is the asynchronous nature of it. You post when you want, read replies when you want. It's not done in real time. You don't have to block that time slot in your schedule every week. It's super convenient.

But, is the trade off of convenience worth the loss of richer communication? Right now, because of circumstances, I have to do it this way. And I'm glad I have that option. But I would not choose it otherwise.

You could sort of say the same things about modern electronic communication. Email is super convenient. :) It's asynchronous, like J2's tactic of letting your phone go to voice mail all the time, and calling back when you want. (If ever! Oh, that boy.) It may be annoying to callers, but you can sure control your time better.

Texting is a little bit closer to real time, but still asynchronous. You have to wait for a response, and you're never quite sure if you're really going to get one. Opening a chat session in an instant message environment is better in that regard. If the other person replies to your opening "hello?" then it's like they answered the phone. They might tell you they are not free to talk, but if they are then it's pretty close to a real time exchange. Of course, if the other person is a multi-tasker (brushing teeth, cooking...), you may wait for a reply almost as long as with email. ;) You know who you are.

A phone call, though, now that's real time. It's unpredictable, very back and forth (talking over each other, finishing the other's sentences), and you get at least a piece of interpretive help: tone of voice, pauses, "Hmpf" and "umm..." kind of noises. But nothing beats face-face discussion. You get the whole experience of communication, the visual, the aural, a scent in the air, plus the occasional opportunity for physical connection, a salty taste of tears, a touch that comforts or thrills.

You can't kiss or hug someone asynchronously. Only in person. X's and O's at the end of a text or email are placeholders... for the real thing.