https://padlet.com/aa_iadeluca/eqqs0ywnvbww When it comes to synchronous and asynchronous learning, do you think the MET program provides a unique offering of synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities? Please post your explanation under the corresponding column. en-us 2017-07-26 19:10:31 UTC 2017-08-04 11:36:56 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Balance.png natalievroberts https://padlet.com/aa_iadeluca/eqqs0ywnvbww/wish/179741531 I don’t think that the MET program provides a unique offering of synchronous and asynchronous learning opportunities. While I think there are many opportunities for asynchronous learning, synchronous learning provides some logistical challenges from a student population that resides all over the world. Time difference, technologies that are available (or not available) in certain countries could pose problems if it was formally requested. That being said, I have participated in small group synchronous learning opportunities – but it was definitely a challenge! One course also offered a Google Hangout – but usually only a couple of people could attend. Perhaps the MET program offers more synchronous learning opportunities, but I am not aware of them. ]]> 2017-07-31 04:00:02 UTC https://padlet.com/aa_iadeluca/eqqs0ywnvbww/wish/179741531 pikehomework https://padlet.com/aa_iadeluca/eqqs0ywnvbww/wish/179888131 Yes, flexibility and compromise are key, but I think courses could be altered to accommodate for different learning preferences. Some quick examples: have MET course descriptions explicitly reveal how much asynchronous vs. synchronous discussion is required, so students know a little more in terms of what is expected of them and how before they register. Or within a course, small groups could be better divided in terms of time zones? That is something that should be easily facilitated in a platform like Blackboard.]]> 2017-08-01 21:10:49 UTC https://padlet.com/aa_iadeluca/eqqs0ywnvbww/wish/179888131 https://padlet.com/aa_iadeluca/eqqs0ywnvbww/wish/179891734 I'm not quite sure which column this falls under, as I also can agree with Natalie, but I think that the MET program does a great job of providing asynchronous learning with the option for small groups to take it further to synchronous learning. I've only taken 4 courses so far, but of those 4, there there have been synchronous opportunities in three of them, and the last one, this course, could have had synchronous aspects with the small groups, my group just decided we worked better asynchronously. Since asynchronous fits the most people in the program, it is the default, but the option for synchronous deepening of information is always available for those that desire it.
-Jonathan-]]> 2017-08-01 22:19:09 UTC https://padlet.com/aa_iadeluca/eqqs0ywnvbww/wish/179891734 https://padlet.com/aa_iadeluca/eqqs0ywnvbww/wish/180119395 Having participated in a few online learning programs, grad and undergraduate, I think one challenge lies in continuously shaping and assessing the inherent problems which are seen in online learning programs. The factors of culture, economics, political support, globalization, time zones and definitely, the level of IT functions and availability among continents vary enormously, These are issues that will stress students when deadlines are of primary focus. 
The second challenge lies  in presenting quality content for students which is comparable to any program  offered by a university of merit, whether synchronous or asynchronous.  
In all honesty, asynchronous learning demands time management, determination and independence to fully benefit.
Thanks for an impressive and informative presentation.
Joy]]> 2017-08-04 11:23:41 UTC https://padlet.com/aa_iadeluca/eqqs0ywnvbww/wish/180119395