Читать книгу Online Learning For Dummies - Susan Manning - Страница 62

Earlier in this chapter, we talk about asynchronous learning — accessing course materials and completing assignments on your own time. When this term is applied to discussions — a common feature of online courses — one learner may post a comment at 1 A.m. and another may not respond until 5 P.m. That means discussion takes longer and isn’t spontaneous. As an online learner, you have to learn to be patient in these circumstances. (Later in this chapter, we discuss the importance of patience and tolerance for online success.)

Given the time delay, it can be more difficult to sustain a conversation in asynchronous settings. Absent body language and immediacy, misunderstandings can also take on a life of their own. If you read something John posts and don’t understand what he means, you may inadvertently take the discussion off course at 1 A.m.! By the time someone notices and you all get on the same page, valuable time is lost. The focus may be lost as well.