In the context of learning, the
word ‘asynchronous’ means that a learning initiative is completed by the learner,
without the intervention of an instructor. With the advancement of technology, online
learning and e-learning solutions are now increasingly popular.
For corporate training, many
industries have embraced technology-aided learning with the help of e-learning
software. This is due to the fact that the online learning delivery mode has been
able to bring training as per the need of the learner and to audiences across
vast geographies. Since corporate learners are more inclined to learning to
succeed in their career, they do not need a physical instructor to push or
motivate them into learning. They are also professionals who are pressed for
time and would like to fit in trainings into their schedule as per their
convenience.
There are many reasons why
asynchronous learning solutions are effective in the corporate scenario
· Learning Management Systems can identify a
learner as per their role and work flow in the organization. From this data,
they ascertain their learning requirements and chart out a learner path for
customized learning. LMSs can assign suitable courses available within the LMS
for each individual learner. This provides customized learning for learners – a
necessary part of corporate training for the modern learner.
· Learner assessments can be made richer and more
useful with asynchronous learning through the LMS. The learner is judged on
variety of things – interactions in the course content, timely completion of
assignments, completion of referred courses, and fruitful participation in
discussion boards and so on. These all-round assessments are not possible
through a synchronous learning environment.
· The diversity of the corporate audiences can
often bring in a bias among peers in a learner group. With asynchronous
learning the issue of bias does not arise as each learner is responsible for
his or her own learning. However, thought leaders of the learning industry have
realized that it is possible to mould asynchronous learning solutions offers
multiple opportunities of collaboration among learners through discussion
boards, emails or blogs. Through these channels the learners share their
learning and experiences to gain collaborative knowledge.
· With the advent and popularity of mobile
devices. The mobile platform is also being utilized to deliver asynchronous
learning to learners. A lot of different and innovative solutions are being
developed aligned to the strength of the medium – like videos and podcasts.
These learning modules make sure that the learners do not have look at the
screen and read for a long time. They can just watch the video or listen to the
podcast to gain instant knowledge.
