Whether you’re working full-time, raising a family, or balancing other life commitments, asynchronous learning offers a flexible way to earn your degree.
By allowing you to complete coursework on your own schedule, the online learning format can make going back to school more attainable. Understanding how asynchronous learning works and what to expect can help you decide if it’s the right fit for your educational and career goals.
What Is Asynchronous Learning?
Asynchronous learning is a form of online education that doesn’t require live, scheduled class sessions. Instead of attending lectures in real-time, you’ll access pre-recorded lectures, readings, and assignments when it’s most convenient for you. Course content and lectures are continually updated to keep up with industry changes.
You are expected to finish assignments, participate in discussion boards, and review lectures within set deadlines, but you decide when and where you do that work. If you fall behind on assignments, it’s important to let your instructor know as soon as possible.
“I try to provide positive feedback,” said Dr. Jennifer Bray, an instructor who teaches the online UWX BL285: Anatomy and Physiology I course. “If they’re doing a great job in the course, I like to reach out to them and say, ‘You’re doing awesome. Keep it up.’ If students aren’t doing as well as I would like, I think it’s really important to say, ’I noticed you’ve missed a few assignments. Is everything OK? How can we get you back on track and where we need you to be?’”
In contrast, synchronous learning consists of live sessions that may be held in a classroom or virtually via video platforms like Zoom. These sessions take place at specific times and may include lectures, group discussions, and Q&A with instructors. Synchronous learning offers real-time interactions with classmates and faculty and requires a time commitment, while asynchronous learning allows you to adapt courses to your own schedule.
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Other Benefits of Asynchronous Learning
Learn from Anywhere
Since asynchronous learning doesn’t require you to attend lectures at the same time or place, you can work on courses from virtually anywhere with an internet connection. Through Canvas, the learning management system used by UW Flexible Option and UW Online Collaboratives programs, you can access course materials, submit assignments, communicate with instructors, and track your progress.
Increased Accessibility
Asynchronous learning can improve accessibility for students with disabilities and those who benefit from learning at their own pace. Because lectures are pre-recorded, you can watch them as many times as needed. This allows you to fully process complex material, pause when necessary, and revisit lessons before exams and assignments. This was invaluable for Amanda Kauffman, who would normally need accommodations in a classroom due to hearing loss in one of her ears: “A lecture, for example. You’re in person. You can take so many notes for so long. But what if you don’t hear something? What if you misinterpret something? And then you don’t understand that lesson plan. But here, there’s videos of lectures. I can go back and just rewatch this lecture and not be like, oh, I misunderstood this or anything like that.”
Is Asynchronous Learning Right for You?
For Abdallah “Alfy” Al Alfy, asynchronous learning was a new experience. Working full-time while also working through two different graduate programs was no easy feat, but the fully asynchronous nature of the University of Wisconsin MS in Applied Biotechnology program helped him navigate his busy schedule.
“Generally speaking, the flexibility has been life-saving,” he said.
While asynchronous learning can be more convenient for some, it also requires self-discipline to work independently and meet deadlines. Without scheduled class times, you’ll need to take initiative to stay on track.
Sierra Erdmann, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin MS in Data Science program and data analyst for CESA 6, emphasized the importance of these skills.
“In online education, you need to really have motivation, be a self-starter, and have a plan,” she said. “That includes time management and making sure things are prioritized correctly.”
All UW Flexible Option and UW Online Collaboratives programs have virtual office hours, giving you the chance to connect directly with instructors, ask questions, and get support when you need it. These interactions can also help create a sense of community and keep you engaged as you complete your degree online.
If you’re someone who values working at your own pace and can stay organized without constant supervision, asynchronous learning may be a great fit for you.
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Earn Your Degree on Your Terms
Asynchronous learning opens the door to education for students who otherwise might not be able to pursue a degree. Many of our programs allow you to start any subscription period or semester, and you can also take breaks without jeopardizing your progress if you experience a major life event or simply need to take time off.
By offering more control over your schedule, this learning format makes it possible to balance your coursework with the rest of your life while still receiving a high-quality education.
UW Flexible Option and UW Online Collaboratives programs provide the versatility needed to achieve your educational goals without putting your career on hold. To learn more about our online degree and certificate programs, contact an enrollment adviser at 608-800-6762 or flex@uwex.wisconsin.edu.