In college, asynchronous means a class has no set meeting time: you watch recorded lectures, read, post in discussions and submit work on your own schedule, as long as you meet the deadlines. Asynchronous learning is education that does not happen in the same place or at the same time for everyone, so students work through the material individually rather than logging in together.
You will usually see “asynchronous” on an online course listing, often abbreviated “async” or marked “online, no scheduled meetings.” It is the opposite of a synchronous class, where everyone meets live at a set time.
How an Asynchronous College Class Works
A typical asynchronous course runs through the school’s learning management system, such as Canvas, Blackboard or Moodle. Each week or module usually includes:
- Recorded lectures or readings you can watch or read at any time.
- Discussion boards where you post a response and reply to classmates by a deadline.
- Assignments, quizzes and exams with due dates, sometimes with a window of a few days to take a test.
- Email or message contact with the instructor, and sometimes optional live office hours.
“No set meeting time” does not mean “no deadlines.” Most asynchronous courses have weekly due dates, and falling behind is the most common problem students report.
Asynchronous vs Synchronous Classes
| Asynchronous | Synchronous | |
|---|---|---|
| Meeting time | None; work on your own schedule | Set days and times, live |
| Lectures | Recorded | Live, sometimes recorded too |
| Interaction | Discussion boards, email | Real-time video, chat, in-class questions |
| Best for | Students who work, have family duties or live in other time zones | Students who want structure and live discussion |
Some courses mix the two: mostly asynchronous with a few required live sessions. Check the course notes in the schedule of classes.
Pros and Cons of Asynchronous Courses
Pros
- Flexibility to study around work, family or other classes.
- You can rewatch lectures and work at your own pace within each week.
- No commute and no clash with other scheduled classes.
Cons
- It takes self-discipline; nobody reminds you in person to keep up.
- Less real-time contact with instructors and classmates.
- Questions can take longer to get answered.
Tips for Doing Well in an Asynchronous Class
- Schedule it anyway. Block fixed hours each week as if it were a live class.
- Put every deadline in your calendar on the first day.
- Post early in discussions so you have time to reply to classmates.
- Contact the instructor early if you are confused or falling behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Are asynchronous classes easier? Not usually. The content is the same; the difference is when you do the work.
- Do asynchronous classes have exams? Most do, usually taken online within a set window.
- Is asynchronous the same as self-paced? Not always. Many asynchronous courses have weekly deadlines; fully self-paced courses let you move through the material at any speed within the term.
- What does “online asynchronous” mean on my schedule? The class is fully online with no required meeting times.