Synchronous vs. Asynchronous

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Cuesta College Cougars: 

 

As the Fall 2020 schedule continues to evolve in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to take a moment to explain the two types of online courses that will be offered: “Synchronous” vs. “Asynchronous”. It is important that you identify which type of course you are taking by looking closely at your course schedule and Class Finder.  On Class Finder, look at the 4th column. It should be titled "Type" and be one of the initials highlighted below.

 

Synchronous online courses (identified as SLEC or SLAB in Class Finder) are courses in which the instructor expects you to be logged in and actively participating during the scheduled class time. Your instructor will guide you through the course activities just as they would if you were attending in person.

 

Asynchronous online courses (identified as DLEC or DLAB in Class Finder) are courses in which students work more at their own pace to complete course tasks by assigned deadlines. Those due dates may be found in the syllabus or identified within Canvas. Students are not required to be online at a given time, though students are expected to regularly log into their courses.  

 

Time management

Time management is a critical skill when taking online classes. A good practice is to come up with a weekly schedule of when you will be doing school work, working, engaging in other activities, spending time with family/friends, grocery shopping, working out or similar. For an example of a weekly schedule see page 13 when you click here.

 

Tips for course success

If you have multiple classes, consider allocating specific times and days to each class, and the work associated with it. As a rule of thumb, if a course is 3 units, normally you would be expected to be present in class for 3 hours a week, but additionally students would also be expected to allocate 6 additional hours per week to read material, complete homework or other assignments and study.  You should expect to spend about 9 hours/week for a 3-unit online course.

 

Best wishes on a successful fall 2020 semester.

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HTML Editor Rich Content Editor [{:section_type=>"rich_text", :content=>"<div><span>Cuesta College Cougars: </span></div>\n<div><span> </span></div>\n<div><span>As the Fall 2020 schedule continues to evolve in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to take a moment to explain the two types of online courses that will be offered: “<span class=\"markgw5vjr7ma\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">Synchronous</span>” vs. “Asynchronous”. It is important that you identify which type of course you are taking by looking closely at your course schedule and Class Finder.  On Class Finder, look at the 4th column. It should be titled \"Type\" and be one of the initials highlighted below.</span></div>\n<div><span> </span></div>\n<div>\n<span><span class=\"markgw5vjr7ma\" data-markjs=\"true\" data-ogac=\"\" data-ogab=\"\" data-ogsc=\"\" data-ogsb=\"\">Synchronous</span></span><span> online courses (identified as <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">SLEC</span> or <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">SLAB</span> in Class Finder) are courses in which the instructor expects you to be logged in and actively participating during the scheduled class time. Your instructor will guide you through the course activities just as they would if you were attending in person.</span>\n</div>\n<div><span> </span></div>\n<div>\n<span>Asynchronous </span><span>online courses (identified as <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">DLEC</span> or <span style=\"background-color: #ffff00;\">DLAB</span> in Class Finder) are courses in which students work more at their own pace to complete course tasks by assigned deadlines. Those due dates may be found in the syllabus or identified within Canvas. Students are </span><span>not</span><span> required to be online at a given time, though students are expected to regularly log into their courses.  </span>\n</div>\n<div><span> </span></div>\n<div><span>Time management</span></div>\n<div>\n<span>Time management is a critical skill when taking online classes. A good practice is to come up with a weekly schedule of when you will be doing school work, working, engaging in other activities, spending time with family/friends, grocery shopping, working out or similar. For an example of a weekly schedule see page 13 when you </span><a href=\"http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001bIZvFtnE7iM420BLHdK7SsfB9qdkrbRRDQN_Q-F029q6uvxSbdvuUFItk9ThZNetUN0DspZX1EalY4anlRKwE6byQX-8cgCIJNDDQGm5K2R92yKmnLTKhKJDsNp3CjURRh8tPfY1n-oZzuUnmPIH8MVDJiEpjxG0YPHgbfo6fAGiZGLV10SckFzTbZAl1AiHBTI04DwsW6LQ15Q0QPvBgvcfxVy9lp7o&amp;c=5UvW72AHcKofoJjaqu9SyQnd_UNjTNdcyRQ5SjkmL-jYWoR6fHoGKw==&amp;ch=7Xr2SiaHt61UefhY7f_8PH9I7pPo8f3aNvfWOY1BOBizEbSJgduzCg==\" target=\"_blank\" data-auth=\"NotApplicable\">click here</a><span>.</span>\n</div>\n<div><span> </span></div>\n<div><span>Tips for course success</span></div>\n<div><span>If you have multiple classes, consider allocating specific times and days to each class, and the work associated with it. As a rule of thumb, if a course is 3 units, normally you would be expected to be present in class for 3 hours a week, but additionally students would also be expected to allocate 6 additional hours per week to read material, complete homework or other assignments and study.  You should expect to spend about 9 hours/week for a 3-unit online course.</span></div>\n<div><span> </span></div>\n<div><span>Best wishes on a successful fall 2020 semester.</span></div>"}]

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