Editing Asynchronous learning (section)

{{short description|Learning that occurs on each individual student's time}}
[[File:Laboratorio_informatica_UAB_polo_Itamonte1.JPG|thumb|right|alt=A computer lab, showing a number of desks containing CRT monitors, and the associated seating, with blue dividers in between individual workstations|A computer lab which may be utilised to facilitate asynchronous learning]]
'''Asynchronous learning''' is a general term used to describe forms of education, instruction, and learning that do not occur in the same place or at the same time. It uses resources that facilitate information sharing outside the constraints of time and place among a network of people.<ref name="Mayadas, F. 1997">{{Citation | last = Mayadas | first = F |date=March 1997 | title = Asynchronous learning networks: a Sloan Foundation perspective | journal = Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks | volume = 1}}.</ref> In many instances, well-constructed asynchronous learning is based on [[Constructivism (philosophy of education)|constructivist theory]], a student-centered approach that emphasizes the importance of peer-to-peer interactions.<ref>{{Citation | last1 = Wu | first1 = D | last2 = Bieber | first2 = M | last3 = Hiltz | first3 = S |date=Fall 2008 | title = Engaging students with constructivist participatory examinations in asynchronous learning networks | journal = Journal of Information Systems Education | volume = 19 | issue = 3 | pages = 321–30}}.</ref> This approach combines self-study with asynchronous interactions to promote learning, and it can be used to facilitate learning in traditional on-campus education, [[distance education]], and [[continuing education]]. This combined network of learners and the electronic network in which they communicate are referred to as an asynchronous learning network.<ref name="Mayadas, F. 1997" />

Online learning resources that can be used to support asynchronous learning include [[email]], [[electronic mailing lists]], [[Threaded discussion|threaded conferencing systems]], [[Internet forum|online discussion boards]], [[wikis]], and [[blogs]].  [[Learning management system|Course management systems]] have been developed to support online interaction, allowing users to organize discussions, post and reply to messages, and upload and access [[multimedia]].<ref name= "Bourne, J.R. 1998">{{Citation | last = Bourne | first = JR |date=September 1998 | title = Net-learning: strategies for on-campus and off-campus network-enabled learning | journal = Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks | volume = 2 | issue = 2}}.</ref> These asynchronous forms of communication are sometimes supplemented with synchronous components, including text and voice [[online chat|chat]], telephone conversations, [[videoconferencing]], and even meetings in virtual spaces such as ''[[Second Life]]'', where discussions can be facilitated among groups of students.<ref name="Bourne, J.R. 1998" />