I have been with GaVS for over 8 years now. I have hoped my traditional setting would offer some form of blended opportunities and recently has added the D2L component. I get to utilize asynchronous content opportunities in many ways and see they are just as effective in the online setting as they are in the traditional setting.
Asynchronous gives me as well as the students a chance to work at our own pace; we are not tied to our computers. There are multiple ways I get share content with students---online modules, online textbook, class newsletters I create bi-weekly on Smore, emails, Twitter, Remind, and so forth. I guess I view it as the more the merrier because there is no possible way a student can say "I didn't know about ...". The content delivery therefor ensures students can work at their own pace and utilize as many tools as possible (i.e. textbook highlighter). The importance of asynchronous delivery is to make sure there is a limit frame you are sharing content with students. I try to utilize one method each day as not to overload the students but to make sure they are aware they need to be working.
The synchronous delivery has proven to be a little bothersome in the past. Having to decide on a time that appeals to most students schedules as well as mine can hinder some from attending. In addition, when students do not show do you make it mandatory or extra credit for them to listen to the session. Adobe Connect is much better than the system we previously used. I feel very comfortable with the system and it enables cool features to enhance the direct time you have with the students. Though I review content material, synchronous sessions allow me to clarify assignments due and answer student questions. This is another benefit of synchronous sessions....makes me a real teacher to them! Though attendance is sparse, the students who come love to hear about my personal examples in reference to the material as well as pick my brain in reference to psychology. I truly think sometimes that is why they come back the next week ; )
