Communication is part of our lives. There are different types of communications. They include but not limited to synchronous and asynchronous communication. Although different, each is useful especially to a college-level writer. Basically, communications aids people to share ideas, learn and can decide on a number of issues either directly or indirectly for their lives. Depending on the situation and the kind of message that one need to relay, it informs the decision of the user to either choose either synchronous or asynchronous communication. The following discussion will entail a depiction of synchronous and asynchronous types of communication, and their significance to a college-level writer.
Synchronous communication can be defined as a type of communication that occurs in real time where a minimum of two people exchange information with each other. The communication can be virtual, scheduled, or even impromptu (Lim, 230-2). Examples of synchronous communication include phone call, in-person meeting, and video conference such as slack, Zoom, and WebEx, coffee break conversation, and asking the teammate across in your desk a question.
Ideally, the term synchronous means working together at the same time. For example, in the online learning world, chats rooms and online conferences perfect examples for synchronous communication. Specifically, in a chat room, the comment and feedback made by any party is relayed there and then, meaning that a real-time communication. Online conferencing entails voice over internet protocol (VOIP) tool aid any kind of real conversation to take place (Madden et al.,). One should note that synchronous communication aids learning not only for college students but also all levels of learners in the sense that it is promoted in real time, providing people with an opportunity for exploring, socializing etc. (Lim, 230-2). For instance, student can learn via the act of verbalizing where it is possible to bridge and understand a number of ideas and concepts, hence, paving way to retain different set of information.
There are several reasons why a college-level writer needs a proper understanding of synchronous communication. Synchronous communication is essential in the sense that people within different time zones can work effectively and together. In this sense, it means that as a writer, one can have a unique yet complex opportunity to sharpen their skills, learn from one another and share ideas (Madden et al.,). Furthermore, a college-level writer should be well aware that with synchronous communication, high chances of less productivity and more stressful situation will likely to happen (Madden et al.,). This is due to the fact that it could be tiring to respond to every form of synchronous communication considering that in order to perform an exemplary work, a lot needs to be done and time is as well required.
Additionally, a college-level writer needs to understand synchronous communication in the sense that it offers in-depth interactions. This kind of communication is useful considering that a student can meet his or her professors and even peers for online meetings and live discussion for a number of goals such as solving academic problems, sharing strategies for improving, and formulate solutions on a number of issues (Lim, 230-2). Besides, real-time online communications aids a college student to address multiple issues on the spot. In other words, it means that one needs not to wait until everyone is physically available to answer various challenges that could be affecting the college student.
Synchronous communication is also useful to the college-level writers since they should understand that it can disrupt focus. Ideally, many people, especially the student, find it convenient talk in real time, however, high chances are that it can affect one’s focus (Schwier et al., 37). More specifically, when one is in the middle of a serious task and with a pressing deadline, high chance is that the person will likely give 100% attention to the other individual standing next to the desk. Overall, synchronous communication aids a college-level writers to learn and interact with people from various parts of the world, meaning that they can create significant professional and social relationship that are not affected by the physical barriers.
On the other hand, asynchronous communication is a kind of communication that does not occur in real time. It entails relay of information with a time lag. For example, discussion forums and email are some perfect examples of asynchronous communication that a college-level writer should know. As a college-level writer, one can massively benefit from asynchronous communication considering that it provides perfect opportunity to learn, interact and discover (Lim, 232-4).
Asynchronous communication aid the student to effectively communicate via email giving them enough time to formulate thoughts. Communication through emails helps college students and writers to plan for a solid and reliable answer to respond in detail to a specific question and topic, which could otherwise be difficult if it was done via a real-time conversation. While that is not enough, one is in a position to internalize different types of information via using various research materials and data that can aid in making an informed decision (Lim, 232-4). Asynchronous communication guides student to look for accurate information to respond to various queries that needs response.
Asynchronous communication is useful to the college-level writer in among other ways as discussed herein. For example, it aids relieve pressure of immediately responding to an issue meaning that one is provided with an opportunity to think for a quality, polite and sensible feedback as opposed to offering a knee-jerk response. In this regard, it forms the basis of stating that the asynchronous communication can be useful if the issues discussed are not urgent (Schwie et al., 52). Also, through asynchronous communication, it is possible to have a more defined and control schedule for the various period that one intends to perform their work (Lim, 232-4). This is due to the fact that the individual will choose to either respond to the emails and other kind of conversations at a planned and fixed period, and to own convenience as opposed to responding only at the availability and convenience of other parties involved.
Asynchronous communication offers the college-level writer a basis for formulating a reference and living document considering that one is able to look back and what they had to say at a certain period of time (Madden et al., 37). Asynchronous communication is in written form, hence the conversation can be used even for other unspecified purposes such as referencing. Asynchronous communication is essential because it allows better planning since one has enough time to research, seek clarification, and decide the best response for each issue (Lim, 34).
Asynchronous communication can be termed as easy mode of communication and helps in collaboration across various time zones. Considering that there is no need for an immediate response, asynchronous communication offers people from different corners of the world to contribute to a specific issue and project meaning that better results can be realized. An opportunity to work and contribute to different sessions remotely is provided, hence, that there is no limit in terms of physical locations on where an individual should offer their input.
Asynchronous communication suffers from a number of limitations that can affect the work college-level writers. First of all, asynchronous communication lacks a sense of immediacy, hence, that it cannot be used when dealing with situations and issues that are expected to be addressed urgently. This is due to the simple reason that the communication is not real time and the specific actions cannot be made in an immediate manner (Schwiere et al., 62). Furthermore, asynchronous communication cannot be termed as an actual type of conversation considering that there is a delay a lag from when the message is sent and processed by the recipient. As a result, this can leave both parties in anxiety as they wait for specific feedback. Also, in asynchronous communication, there is disconnect in communication due to the fact that feedback is not offered in real time. For a college writer to effectively enjoy the benefits of asynchronous communication, he or she should be a proper planner and have patience since one is out of control for the time and manner that the other individual’s response will be made.
In conclusion, it is evident that, asynchronous and synchronous communication are different but both important to a college-level writer. Synchronous communication takes place in real time where people converse with each other. Phone call and in-person meeting are examples of synchronous communication. Elsewhere, asynchronous communication does not take place in real time whereby email is an example.
Works Cited
Lim, Francis Pol. “An analysis of synchronous and asynchronous communication tools in e-learning.” Advanced Science and Technology Letters 143.46, 2017: pp. 230-234.
Madden, Lauren, et al. “Teacher Education: Modes of Communication within Asynchronous and Synchronous Communication Platforms.” Journal of Classroom Interaction 52.2, 2017: pp. 52-79.
Schwier, Richard, and Shelly Balbar. “The interplay of content and community in synchronous and asynchronous communication: Virtual communication in a graduate seminar.” Canadian Journal of Learning and Technology/La revue canadienne de l’apprentissage et de la technologie 28.2, 2002: 33-45