Learning Environments

I have participated in both asynchronous and synchronous environments during my online education experiences. Both situations have value in supporting learning, but I prefer the asynchronous environment as a student. I like to have topics given and then time to reflect. After reflection, it is much easier to form my personal opinion and share it through text on the discussion board or other means as assigned. I enjoy the time to quietly reflect when integrating new material into the context of my own education. When I am working in professional context, I prefer to have a synchronous environment. I prefer to talk with someone in real time when I am part of a committee or in a conference to problem solve something concerned with my job. I like to give and get immediate feedback so to get the job done quickly and efficiently. I had situations when I was in the textile industry as a manager that required a synchronous environment, and I worked very well under those conditions. Both have value, but I prefer each in a different situation.