This post is provided by guest blogger, Jocelyn Lupercio, graduate student at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, MBA program.

This case study examines synchronous and asynchronous online leaning by comparing the students’ experiences, learning outcomes and cognitive load. This study observed 70 students participating in synchronous online learning and 100 students in asynchronous online learning. The researchers gathered and analyzed data on the impact of engagement from the different instructional modes and their level of cognitive stress. Overall, each learning modality offered distinct advantages and drawbacks, with synchronous supporting interaction and asynchronous being commended for its flexibility. Overall, the study highlights the impact delivery mode can have on the effectiveness of online education.

The source appears to be reliable as it is derived by research data and authored by multiple researchers. The findings are based from data systematically gathered and analyzed. The specific limitations may be due to the research being solely collected from medical students in a Taiwanese university. Another limitation was the lack of data collected around the amount of time each student dedicated to the asynchronous online learning.

Hung, C. T., Wu, S. E., Chen, Y. H., Soong, C. Y., Chiang, C. P., & Wang, W. M. (2024). The evaluation of synchronous and asynchronous online learning: student experience, learning outcomes, and cognitive load. BMC medical education, 24(1), 326.