Describe the following terms


Asynchronous Tools

Asynchronous tools enable communication and collaboration over a period of time through a "different time-different place" mode. These tools allow people to connect together at each person's own convenience and own schedule. Asynchronous tools are useful for sustaining dialogue and collaboration over a period of time and providing people with resources and information that are instantly accessible, day or night. Asynchronous tools possess the advantage of being able to involve people from multiple time zones. In addition, asynchronous tools are helpful in capturing the history of the interactions of a group, allowing for collective knowledge to be more easily shared and distributed. The primary drawback of asynchronous technologies is that they require some discipline to use when used for ongoing communities of practice (e.g., people typically must take the initiative to "login" to participate) and they may feel "impersonal" to those who prefer higher-touch synchronous technologies.



ToolUseful forDrawbacks
Discussion boardsDialogue that takes place over a period of timeMay take longer to arrive at decisions or conclusions
Web logs (Blogs)Sharing ideas and commentsMay take longer to arrive at decisions or conclusions
Messaging (e-mail)One-to-one or one-to-many communicationsMay be misused as a "collaboration tool" and become overwhelming
Streaming audioCommunicating or teachingStatic and typically does not provide option to answer questions or expand on ideas
Streaming videoCommunicating or teachingStatic and typically does not provide option to answer questions or expand on ideas
Narrated slideshowsCommunicating or teachingStatic and typically does not provide option to answer questions or expand on ideas
"Learning objects"
(Web-based training)
Teaching and trainingTypically does not provide option to answer questions or expand on ideas in detail
Document librariesManaging resourcesVersion control can be an issue unless check-in / check-out functionality is enabled
DatabasesManaging information and knowledgeRequires clear definition and skillful administration
Web booksTeaching and trainingNot dynamic and may lose interest of users
Surveys and pollsCapturing information and trendsRequires clear definition and ongoing coordination
Shared CalendarsCoordinating activitiesSystem compatibility
Web site linksProviding resources and referencesMay become outdated and "broken"


A significant step beyond this smorgasbord of individual tools are web-based platforms that aim to provide some or most of the functionality of these standalone tools, but do so within a single integrated collaborative environment. The integration and synthesis of these tools creates a container that turns out to be far greater than the sum of its parts and can become the single portal for all community activities. Going beyond the hodgepodge of individual technologies can elevate members' experiences by encouraging collaborative learning and knowledge sharing.


Resource : http://www.asaecenter.org/Resources/articledetail.cfm?itemnumber=13572




Synchronous Tools

Synchronous tool enables real-time communication and collaboration in a "same time-different place" mode. these tools allow people to connectat a single point in time, at the same time. Synchronous tools possess the advantage of being able to engage people instantly and at the same point in time. The primary drawback of synchronous tools is that, by definition,they require same-time participation-different time zones and comflicting schedules can create communication challenges. In addition, they tend to be costly and may reqsuire significant bandwidth to be efficient. 


ToolUseful forDrawbacks
Audio conferencingDiscussions and dialogueCost, especially when international participation is involved
Web conferencingSharing presentations and informationCost, bandwidth; may also require audio conferencing to be useful
Video conferencingIn-depth discussions with higher-touch interactionsCost, limited availability of video conferencing systems
ChatInformation sharing of low-complexity issuesUsually requires typing, "lower touch" experience
Instant messagingAd hoc quick communicationsAll users must use compatible system, usually best for 1:1 interactions
White boardingCo-development of ideasCost, bandwidth; may also require audio conferencing to be useful
Application sharingCo-development of documentsCost, bandwidth; may also require audio conferencing to be useful


Resource :  http://www.asaecenter.org/Resources/articledetail.cfm?itemnumber=13572

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