Blending Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication Technologies in English as a second Language Teaching and Learning

Abstract

The world is dynamic and this dynamism is witnessed in all facets of life, including education. Synchronous and asynchronous communication technologies are some of the developmental and innovative tools that have remarkable impacts on the education system particularly on language teaching and learning which has assumed a new dimension with the introduction of online learning platforms particularly through synchronous and asynchronous learning technologies. Synchronous learning offers students and teachers multiple ways of interacting and sharing information online in real time through various technologies such as video conferencing, webcasts, telephone conferences etc. In asynchronous learning, students are able to participate in their own learning and are given the opportunity to interact with their peers, provide peer feedback and reflect on the status of their personal goals and outcomes. They also create, synthesize, explain and apply the content being taught. The paper takes a look at the importance of the two learning platforms for effective language teaching and learning. It identifies the technologies of the two platforms and the benefits of blending them for effective teaching and learning of English language. The anticipated problems of the blend were also highlighted and it was recommended that English language teachers’ traditional role should be extended to blending learning environments for effective teaching and learning of English as a second language.