What is Synchronous Learning?
Synchronous learning requires the students and the teacher to be present at the same time online.
Examples:
- Live interactive classes with students and teachers participating in real time
- Teacher-supported work time on video calls like Zoom
What is Asynchronous Learning?
Asynchronous learning is a term used to describe forms of education, instruction, and learning that do not occur in the same place or at the same time. It does not require the students and the teacher to be present online at the same time.
Examples:
- Self-paced online courses with intermittent teacher instruction
- Pre-assigned work with assessments on paper or in learning system such as BLEND or Seesaw
- Pre-recorded videos of instruction
What is Zoom?
Zoom is a virtual meeting platform that can be used for video and audio online teaching. You don't need an account to attend a Zoom meeting, and the platform is compatible with Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android, meaning nearly anyone can access it.
What is Blend?
BLEND is an easy-to-use, cloud-based learning management system that connects all the digital tools and resources teachers use into one simple place. It allows teachers to provide instructional support, class calendars, assignments and resources for students in a safe online environment. BLEND provides learning, assessment, and organization tools that allow students to be more efficient in their day-to-day learning tasks and to make it more fun. Parents can have their own accounts in BLEND that allows access to view their child’s courses through the BLEND Parent Portal. https://www.austinisd.org/technology/blend
What is Seasaw?
Seesaw is a platform for student engagement with the goal to create a powerful learning loop between teachers, students, and families. Students use creative tools to take pictures, draw, record videos and more to capture learning in a portfolio. Teachers create activities to share with students. Students can share their knowledge and work using photos, videos, drawings, text, PDFs, and links. https://web.seesaw.me
What is a Hotspot?
A hotspot is a wireless LAN (local area network) node that provides Internet connection and virtual private network (VPN) access from a given location. AISD has obtained 10,000 WiFi hotspots for families who do not have access to the Internet. The Austin ISD Help Desk is available to assist with issues in connecting to the wireless network. Please call the Help Desk at 512-414-8324 for assistance.