What Is Asynchronous Learning?

Key takeaways

Asynchronous learning is any type of learning you undertake on your own schedule and doesn't require consistent real-time instructor interactions. 

• Asynchronous learners appreciate the ability to rewatch lectures and easily access course materials, and the flexibility to fit their schoolwork in with other aspects of their lives [1].

• Online asynchronous courses have no live instructor, while synchronous online classes simulate a physical lecture. 

• You can use asynchronous classes if you like flexibility, want to move at your own pace, and appreciate developing workplace skills, such as time management, attention to detail, and problem-solving. 

Discover more about this learning structure so you can better understand whether it’s the right choice for your education. 

What is asynchronous learning in education?

When used in an educational context, asynchronous learning refers to courses where students access course materials, such as lectures, readings, and assignments, on their own time. Learning, in other words, takes place at different times for students enrolled in a course because the class doesn’t take place at a set time. 

Asynchronous learning can include:

• Watching pre-recorded lectures

• Undertaking independent research and writing projects

• Participating in an online discussion forum

• Watching online videos and taking a quiz to evaluate your understanding

• Completing a guided project 

• Emailing with classmates when completing a team project

An in-person instructor may use elements of asynchronous learning to supplement a synchronous class. For example, they may choose to move one lesson online and have students complete it on their own time. But typically, asynchronous learning refers to online courses designed so students can learn on their own time.

What is an asynchronous class?

An asynchronous class refers to studying when students and instructors don’t have to be present at the same time and location. The term is nearly synonymous with online learning because hosting learning materials online is the most convenient way to offer asynchronous learning experiences. But because online classes can also be synchronous, it’s not accurate to say the two terms mean the same thing. 

Online learning: What is asynchronous and synchronous learning? 

When you take a course online, it will either be structured synchronously or asynchronously. You likely won’t have a choice because your college or university will determine how it's taught, though your online degree program should clarify which structure to expect. 

Online asynchronous classes

You can find courses with different asynchronous models. If your courses are offered through a college or university, you may have an assigned instructor who is available to grade your assignments and answer your questions. Your courses will also likely follow the school’s semester or quarter system, where assignments have various due dates or follow an overall timeline. In that case, you can learn at your own pace but within a set timeframe. 

However, some online courses have an instructor who has prepared all materials but who does not oversee the course each time it’s offered. Instead, you’ll likely be expected to watch video lectures that require you to pass quizzes or tests in order to advance, without direct feedback. You may have more time to complete your work in some instances or have the option to extend your deadlines if you need more time. 

Online synchronous courses

An online synchronous course means that you will likely meet for class using video conferencing software. You and your peers will learn from your instructor in real-time, but that learning primarily takes place virtually. 

Are self-taught courses asynchronous? 

Asynchronous learning typically involves a course or program with an instructor, even if you don’t meet with that person in real-time. Self-taught programs, like tutorials or learning software, that do not involve an instructor are generally not considered asynchronous because you often determine what you will complete without more formal guidance. 

Benefits of learning asynchronously

Asynchronous learning has gained a lot of popularity since the pandemic moved a good deal of education online. Explore the many benefits associated with learning asynchronously. 

• Flexibility: Because you won’t have a set class to attend, you can work on your studies in between your other obligations. 

• Self-paced: Oftentimes, you can learn at your own pace, taking your time to fully grasp new concepts and become more familiar with key lessons.

• Review: You can return to past lessons or lectures to review something you might have missed. 

• Skills development: Learning on your own schedule and at your own pace often requires a certain amount of drive and dedication. Learning with this structure often means you get the opportunity to refine valuable workplace skills, such as time management, attention to detail, and problem-solving. 

Asynchronous vs. synchronous: Which is the best learning style for you?

With the growing number of degrees available online, you have more opportunities than ever before to learn asynchronously. But determining whether you should enroll in an online program that features asynchronous or synchronous learning is an important question. A McKinsey study polling online students in programs around the world found that three qualities of asynchronous learning that students enjoyed were the ability to rewatch lectures, easily access course materials, and the flexibility to fit their school work in with other aspects of their lives [1].

Think about your overall goals and which type of learning might help you best accomplish them. For example, if you’re working full-time and you’d like to keep developing your professional experience while you pursue higher education, then asynchronous learning may be best for you. But if you know you do better when you have set class meetings and can engage in a real-time lecture, then synchronous learning may be better for you.

It helps to understand how you best learn in order to determine which online structure will suit your needs and help you achieve your larger goals. 

Read more: What Is Adaptive Learning?

Explore free resources for asynchronous learners 

If you want to stay connected to free, online resources, subscribe to our YouTube channel to explore a range of videos on career advice, online degree programs, and developing new skills. Then, discover some of our other free resources:

• Take the quiz: Career Test: What Career Is Right for Me Quiz?

• Subscribe to Career Chat: Your top skills and courses, 100 issues later!

• Hear from a fellow learner: Earning an MBA While Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail: Meet Illinois Tech Student Janie Butler

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