How Will You Teach Them?

Written By Simone Bloom

Have you ever attended a Facebook Live learning event? Watched a YouTube video, listened to a podcast, read an article online, joined a webinar, done an eLearning course, completed an online quiz, survived a PowerPoint, followed instructions to build a coffee table, or been to a lecture or conference? We’re going to assume you said ‘yes’ to at least some of these. 

So, what is ‘these’ exactly? In the context of this blog, they’re all learning objects, and learning objects are resources that can be used for learning. Let’s take a look at a few types of learning objects.

Different Types of Learning Objects 

Live (synchronous) online learning objects

Real-time, online events like LinkedIn Lives, webinars, and Zoom workshops are all common learning objects. One of the benefits of real-time or live learning events is that it’s easier to keep your audience engaged when you’re in the same virtual space. Participants can interact, brainstorm ideas, and learn from one another. 

When people work together and learn from each other, they can find the solution to almost any problem. With all the options we have now, from live meetings on different social media platforms and online communication and learning platforms, it’s easier than ever to increase interaction between participants and the facilitator.

Asynchronous online learning objects

While synchronous learning takes place at the same time for all the participants, asynchronous learning is self-paced and the learner works according to their own schedule. These learning objects include pre-recorded videos, workbooks, eLearning modules, and podcasts. 

Asynchronous learning is especially helpful when your target audience can’t keep a specific schedule. Perhaps they work from home and have multiple roles to play, so a more flexible schedule would work better for them. Asynchronous learning helps make learning accessible to more employees. 

Using a website or an online platform to house your videos, workbooks, and tools makes it much easier for your audience to access their learning in one place. Your course design and the delivery of learning objects should never confuse your audience. 

Which is Best?

As with most things in life, there is no one correct or incorrect answer to the question, ‘Is asynchronous or synchronous learning better?’. You’ll need to consider a few things:

  • What does your audience need?

  • What type of learning objects (asynchronous or synchronous) work for those learning outcomes?

  • What can you commit to delivering? (for example, can you commit to hosting and facilitating live, online workshops at a specific time on a regular basis?).

Consider creating a custom blend of learning objects that suits:

  • Your audience’s needs for a solution to a problem or challenge they’re having

  • Your content and topic

  • The outcomes of your course

  • Your time and financial budget

A blend of scheduled and self-led learning objects (also called hybrid learning) allows you to personalise your course by using live events. It also allows you to extend your reach. For example, if your audience is time zones away from you, your online live events may not fit their schedule.

Want to take the conversation further? Reach out now and schedule a call - we’d love to chat to you!

Simone Bloom
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Unfinished Minds