What Is Asynchronous Learning?

Asynchronous learning is any type of learning that you undertake on your own schedule and that does not require consistent real-time interactions with an instructor. It differs from synchronous learning, which can be done online or in-person, and typically requires you and your classmates to attend scheduled classes with your instructor.

Asynchronous learning offers many benefits, including flexibility and convenience, two popular features for learners. More than 80 per cent of the people responding to a survey by Oxford Learning College said they prefer online classes they can complete at their own pace [1]. Take a closer look at this learning structure so you can better understand whether it’s the right choice for your education. 

What makes learning asynchronous? 

When used in an educational context, asynchronous learning refers to courses in which students access course materials—lectures, readings, and assignments—on their own time. Learning, in other words, takes place at different times for students enrolled in a course because there’s no set class 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 participants can learn on their own time.  

Online learning: Asynchronous vs synchronous 

When you take a course online, it can have a synchronous or asynchronous structure. Your online degree programme should clarify which structure it uses, and understanding the difference between them can help you know what to expect.

Online asynchronous courses

Online courses follow different asynchronous models. If you take courses through a university, you may have an assigned instructor who is available to grade your assignments and answer your questions. These courses usually follow the university’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 the materials but does not oversee the course each time it’s offered. Instead, you’ll likely watch video lectures and must pass quizzes or tests in order to advance—sometimes 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

In an online synchronous course, you will likely meet for class using video conferencing software. You and your peers participate in class and interact with your instructor in real time, but that learning primarily takes place virtually.

Are self-taught courses asynchronous? 

Asynchronous learning typically involves a course or programme with an instructor, even if you don’t meet with that person in real time. Self-taught programmes, like tutorials or learning software, that do not involve an instructor generally do not fall under the asynchronous category because you have less formal guidance. 

Benefits of learning asynchronously

Asynchronous learning has gained significant popularity since the pandemic moved much of education online. Through that experience, people discovered the many benefits of learning asynchronously, including:

• Flexibility: Because you don't have set classes 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 enrol in an online programme that features asynchronous or synchronous learning is an important question. About half of the students surveyed by Jisc in 2023 said that learning online is engaging—and just as many disagreed [2].

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. 

Explore further 

Asynchronous learning allows participants to engage with course materials—such as lectures, readings, and assignments—at their own convenience without real-time interaction with instructors. This flexible approach has become popular since the pandemic, offering numerous benefits like self-paced learning and the ability to balance education with other commitments.

One way to figure out how you respond to asynchronous learning is to give it a try through a sample course. You can explore a number of free online courses through Coursera, studying business, data science, health, languages, and more. Enrol in one today to see how you enjoy the flexible schedule and self-paced learning. 

Build job-ready skills with a Coursera Plus subscription

Start 7-day free trial

• Get access to 10,000+ learning programs from world-class universities and companies, including Google, Yale, Salesforce, and more
• Try different courses and find your best fit at no additional cost
• Earn certificates for learning programs you complete
• A subscription price of $59/month, cancel anytime

Start 7-day free trial