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Challenges, Convergence and Integration of Synchronous and Asynchronous Technologies in Online Learning
ARTICLE

, Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi

Indian Journal of Open Learning Volume 9, Number 3, ISSN 0971-2690 Publisher: Indira Gandhi National Open University

Abstract

Internet, the most powerful computer network on the globe, provides the users a uniform, convenient and user-friendly way of accessing the vast resources world-wide. lnternet and world-wide~weba pplications are the latest in a string of technology innovations which have captured the imagination and interest of researchers, educators and learners everywhere. It has the potential to meet learners' changing social and educational needs and, therefore, has a crucial role to play in open and distance learning in this new Millennium. It can be very well considered as a sub-set of diversified delivery mechanism of open and distance learning, Since the communication technologies are simultaneously exploding and imploding, they exert necessary influence on the ways in which lerners learn and teachers teach. The effective use of these technologies can obviously extend the reach and flexibility of distance learning system many-fold.The web-based delivery mechanism provides unprecendented opportunities for the teahcers arrd learners to teach and learn in a collaborative environment. The learning, here, can take place synchronously, asynchronously or in a domain with a combination ofthe two. The synchronous learning, which takes place in a real-time environment, is best suited to the learners who are able to meet at the same time but not at the same place due to various other commitments. On the other hand, a synchronous learning can better serve the learners who suffer from time as well as place constraints. Thus, lnternet and WWW technologies can be used to effectively reach heterogeneous learner groupstranscending the barriers of time. place and distance. The present paper analyses the integration of different synchronous as well as asynchronous tools and tectiniques in open and distance learning following a constructivist approach.

Citation

Pulist, S. (2000). Challenges, Convergence and Integration of Synchronous and Asynchronous Technologies in Online Learning. Indian Journal of Open Learning, 9(3), 381-392. Indira Gandhi National Open University. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from .