Asynchronous conferencing is the formal term used in

science Science is a systematic endeavor that Scientific method, builds and organizes knowledge in the form of Testability, testable explanations and predictions about the universe. Science may be as old as the human species, and some of the earli ...

, in particular in

computer-mediated communication Computer-mediated communication (CMC) is defined as any human communication that occurs through the use of two or more electronic devices. While the term has traditionally referred to those communications that occur via computer-mediated format ...

, collaboration and learning, to describe technologies where there is a delay in interaction between contributors. It is used in contrast to

synchronous conferencing Synchronous conferencing is the formal term used in computing, in particular in computer-mediated communication, collaboration and learning, to describe technologies informally known as online chat. It is sometimes extended to include audio/vid ...

, which refers to various "chat" systems in which users communicate simultaneously in "real time".
Especially in computer-mediated communication, it is emerging as a tool that can create opportunities for collaboration and support the inquiry process. In this form of communication, face-to-face conversation is not required, and the conversation can last for a long time. It has mostly been useful for online discussions and idea sharing which can be used for learning purpose or for solving problems over geographically diverse work-field.

Tools

Asynchronous conferencing has been practiced for many years now in various forms. A variety of means for supporting this form of communication are as follows: * Bulletin board *

E-mail Electronic mail (email or e-mail) is a method of exchanging messages ("mail") between people using electronic devices. Email was thus conceived as the electronic (digital) version of, or counterpart to, mail, at a time when "mail" meant ...

* Online forums/polls * Blogs *

Wiki page A wiki ( ) is an online hypertext publication collaboratively edited and managed by its own audience, using a web browser. A typical wiki contains multiple pages for the subjects or scope of the project, and could be either open to the pub ...

s * Listserv and newsgroup *

Social networking sites A social networking service or SNS (sometimes called a social networking site) is an online platform which people use to build social networks or social relationships with other people who share similar personal or career content, interests, act ...

* Shared calendars

Features

:Asynchronous conferencing allows for the participants to have flexibility and control over the time they spend on any topic. It can allow anonymous participation, encouraging reluctant members/learners to share their viewpoint. Moreover, it allows all the participants to contribute and communicate simultaneously on different topics. However, due to this time constraint, there is a delay between the message exchange. This delay can lead to loss of interest and affects the contextual structure and coherence of the discussion. Sometimes there might be too many posts made in a small amount time, making it hard to figure out the outcome of discussion. :This form of communication provides more convenience. The user can participate from anywhere, as long as there is connection to the conference. This is an advantage for people who work from home, work in different geographical regions or travel on business. Also, the topic can be accessed at any time, and this gives the participant time to think and reply. However, there is a lack of physical and social presence in this form of communication. Especially, in asynchronous text-based conferencing, the lack of presence amounts in a huge difference in the progress and outcome of the discussion. It lacks emotions and is more prone to interpretation error. :One of the more controversial topics about asynchronous conferencing is that the discussion thread might get deleted. This can happen either due to technical failure or from avoidance and loss of interest from the participants. As most threads are managed according to their access time, those threads with older access time might be replaced by ones with new access time.

Types

Asynchronous conferencing is basically divided up into these following types: * Text/Image based conferencing * Voice based conferencing * Video based conferencing

Uses

This type of conferencing is mostly useful for business and/or learning purpose. Many of the universities are adopting online learning methods and using asynchronous conferencing to manage course-works and discussions. It is also used in public opinion sharing or voting through blogs, wiki pages, SMS texting and social networking sites.

References

{{Computer-mediated communication Computer-mediated communication

Tools

Features

Types

Uses

See also

References