9 Best Synchronous and Asynchronous Learning Platforms [2024]

nline learning has opened up a world of opportunities for businesses and educational institutions. For sure, before implementing learning into your organization, you need to decide what kind of learning is the most effective for your needs – synchronous or asynchronous.

Depending on the purpose of the learning, learners can benefit from both types. Nevertheless, each of them has its pros & cons that you should know about.

But which one is right for you and your learners – asynchronous or synchronous learning? Could you possibly require a hybrid solution that combines elements of both? What are the best synchronous & asynchronous learning platforms?

Let's discuss these points in more detail.

What is Synchronous Learning?

Synchronous learning involves interaction between the teacher/instructor/tutor and the audience in real time. 

The instructor can evaluate the learners' reactions, understand their needs, and respond to them. How do instructors handle this type of learning? They

• answer learners’ questions;
• select a pace that is convenient for the group or individual;
• monitor the student's involvement in the process;
• bring them back to the group if necessary.

What are the Pros & Cons of Synchronous Programs?

Synchronous classes are the most effective way to incorporate interpersonal interaction into your online teaching. Educators know that investing in relationships with learners yields high academic returns and sets the stage for effective management.

Synchronous online teaching allows you to build a community, discuss different topics, and help your students maintain a regular schedule. It also offers educators the opportunity to model and explain how to use technology, coach students on group assignments, and provide recommendations or “course corrections” in real time.

What are other benefits you may receive and the challenges you may face during synchronous teaching? 

What is Asynchronous Learning?

In asynchronous learning, students are entirely responsible for completing the course, reading materials, and other assignments on their own.

The teacher/educator/tutor remains "behind the scenes". However, the advantage of self-paced learning appears, when learners can complete the course at their own pace & mode.

Typically, asynchronous education is based on:

• online courses;
• blog articles;
• pre-recorded video lessons or webinars;
• online forums;
• discussion boards;
• emails, etc.

What are the Pros & Cons of Asynchronous Learning?

One of the main advantages of asynchronous online learning is that it offers greater flexibility. Even though it doesn’t run in real-time, it still allows for feedback. Learners can freely share thoughts and questions with instructors and peers. Yet, they may not receive an immediate response.

You can find other asynchronous online programs' pros and cons below.

Synchronous vs Asynchronous Learning: Which is Better?

The learning method you choose for your learners will depend on several factors – your learning goals, the type of course content you’re creating, how you deliver the learning, and the availability of your collaborators. 

However, using both synchronous and asynchronous learning can be a win-win strategy as well.

For example, creating a mostly asynchronous course with additional webinars scheduled on different days will ensure that learners get the additional benefit of interacting with each other and their instructors.

Variety is the spice of life. Especially if you’re trying to keep learners as engaged as possible. Combining elements like pre-recorded videos, online webinars, assignments, and group work will keep your learners engaged.

Now it’s time to check the top platforms for all these learning styles. 

Top Hybrid (Asynchronous + Synchronous) Online Learning Tools for 2024

#1. EducateMe 

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EducateMe is the best tool for both synchronous and asynchronous learning, offering a dynamic environment and fostering engaging and interactive corporate training programs.

With this tool, you can create self-paced modules with flexible deadline management, add interactive quizzes, individual & group assignments, and peer reviews, schedule & host live 1:1 sessions & webinars, and much more.

Moreover, with customizable branding options, round-the-clock customer support, and automated engagement tools, it's the perfect recipe for both corporate training programs and educational institutions seeking a hybrid learning solution for synchronous and asynchronous styles.

💡 Best For: Small to large businesses that are looking for a combination of synchronous and asynchronous tools, offering automation of learning flow.

Key Synchronous Features

• Deadline management: EducateMe enables setting up fixed dates or countdowns for assignments with automatic calendar updates.
• Engagement content: You can add bite-sized modules, lessons, webinars, quizzes, assignments, and peer reviews to your courses. It also allows the inclusion of pre-recorded videos, interactive elements, and external resources within training materials.
• Kanban assignment tracking dashboard: This solution allows managing and visualizing assignments effortlessly.
• Knowledge library. You can create supplementary reading materials, reference guides, and additional learning resources.
• Custom branding: The platform offers custom colors, fonts, logos, and domains to enhance your company's brand presence.

Key Asynchronous Features

• Live sessions hosting: This tool allows hosting webinars, asynchronous classes, and Q&A sessions (with auto-recording).
• Slack-like messenger: You also have the opportunity to facilitate learner communication and collaboration through a real-time chat.
• Group assignments: You can facilitate teamwork through automatic learner group allocation.
• Progress tracker: Admins and instructors can monitor 15+ different learning metrics.
• Feedback management: EducateMe enables the collection of insights through surveys and feedback forms to improve training programs.

#2. Moodle

Moodle is an open-source learning solution offering a robust platform for synchronous and asynchronous learning. Its intuitive interface and extensive customization options cater to diverse learning environments, making it suitable for both academic institutions and higher education & K-12.

Educators can easily organize pre-recorded content into self-paced courses and incorporate various assessment methods such as quizzes, assignments, and peer assessments. Moodle also offers BigBlueButton plugin that allows educators to use breakout rooms, polls, multi-user whiteboards, and shared notes to engage learners in real-time. 

💡 Best For: Academic institutions, higher education & K-12 with own in-house developers team to run the system. Also, it can be suitable for non-profit organizations because of its relatively low price.

Key Synchronous Features

• Synchronous audio, video, and screen sharing.
• Public and private chat features.
• Collaborative whiteboards to facilitate communication.
• Engagement tools for the teachers, such as polls, emojis, and raised hands.
• Breakout rooms for group collaboration.

Key Asynchronous Features

• Configurable settings for self-paced independent study courses.
• Tracking progress and checking grades.
• Designing customized, automatically generated certificates.

Price: Starting – $120/year for 50 users; Scaling up to $1,710/year for 1,000 users; Customizable Plan is available by quote.

#3. TalentLMS

TalentLMS is a dynamic learning management system with gamification for both types of learning – self-paced and instructor-led. 

This platform extends course creation, allowing the addition of diverse content formats, including presentations, pre-recorded videos, and SCORM packages. For synchronous learning, it offers discussion forums, built-in messenger, video conferencing support, and a calendar with easy schedule opportunities.

💡Best For: Training organizations, businesses, and corporate entities seeking scalable and engaging training solutions with gamification.

Key Synchronous Features

• Live video conferencing
• Real-time messaging.
• Interactive whiteboards.
• Instant polls and surveys.
• Breakout rooms for group collaboration.
• Live screen sharing for demonstrations and presentations.
• Real-time 1:1 Q&A sessions to address student queries.

Key Asynchronous Features

• Self-paced course modules.
• Automated quizzes and assessments to test knowledge.
• Downloadable learning materials for offline access.
• Pre-recorded webinars.
• Mobile learning support.
• Gamified learning elements to increase motivation.

Pricing: Free trial; from Start Plan — $89/m; to Premium Plan — $569/m. Enterprise plans are available upon request.

#4. Blackboard Learn

Blackboard Learn, now part of Anthology, is a robust hybrid learning solution that combines synchronous and asynchronous features to enhance the learning experience. It offers live video conferencing, real-time messaging, and collaborative whiteboards for interactive online sessions. 

Additionally, its flexible course modules, on-demand video lessons, and discussion boards provide flexibility for students to engage with the material at their own pace.

💡Best For: Large higher education institutions that require both on-demand and cohort-based tools.

Key Synchronous Features

• Live video conferencing with live screen sharing.
• Collaborative whiteboards to enhance group activities.
• Scheduled webinars for structured learning events.
• Instant messaging for quick feedback and support.

Key Asynchronous Features

• Self-paced online course modules.
• Grade assignments and assessment settings management.
• Discussion boards.
• Automated quizzes and assessments to measure understanding.
• Interactive eLearning content.
• Gamified elements such as announcements, badges, certificates, and achievements.

Pricing: 30-day free trial, pricing is available upon request.

Top Asynchronous Learning Platforms for 2024

#5. LearnUpon

LearnUpon LMS is an all-in-one asynchronous learning solution that excels at offering customized learning programs. This platform boasts a distinct advantage with its tailored learning portals, enabling the segmentation of vast educational landscapes into specialized sub-portals. Through this feature, users can craft specific learning paths tailored to their needs and preferences.

💡Best For: Small and medium-sized businesses, seeking ultimate self-paced software for employees, customers, and partners training.

Key Features

• Learning portals for different groups of learners with diverse needs.
• Exams and knowledge assessment with autocorrect answers.
• Gamification elements include badges, points, and leaderboards.
• Data on learner progression, survey responses, exam results, etc.
• Integration with payment gateways like Shopify, Paypal, or Stripe.
• Dynamic rules for automating course enrollments, sending notifications, and assigning certifications. 

Pricing: upon a demo request

#6. LearnWorlds

LearnWorlds is another example of an asynchronous learning management system, offering various tools for marketing, site & app creation, and course management. You can add to the videos texts, polls, and images; and upload SoundCloud audio, Ebooks, and different assignments.

The platform offers a comprehensive marketing and sales toolkit, including features like crafting bundled offerings and constructing dynamic web pages. It also facilitates payment mechanisms, initiates affiliate initiatives, employs interactive pop-ups, and solicits feedback. Furthermore, it offers robust integrations and an application to augment the learning journey.

However, despite its expansive functionality, navigating its features may initially present a slight learning curve.

💡 Best For: Instructors, single creators, and educational institutions accustomed to utilizing pre-recorded content and embracing a self-paced learning paradigm.

Key Features

• Mobile app for student use.
• Video editor to modify uploaded videos and add elements.
• Opportunity to issuance of PDF certificates.
• Resourceful page builder for website and course design, including a blog.
• Reports center for monitoring student enrollment, activities, exams, and course sales.
• Marketing & sales tools, including payment gateways, affiliate marketing, product bundles, and promotions.

Pricing: Free trial; Starter Plan – $29/mo; Pro Trainer – $99/mo; Learning Center Plan – $299/mo; High Volume & Corporate Plan is available via the call.

Top Synchronous Learning Tools for 2024

#7. Zoom

Zoom serves as an effective platform for running synchronous programs, particularly in the context of remote learning. It offers a range of features that extend beyond traditional messaging apps, making it a popular choice.

The platform supports screen sharing for presentations, virtual tours, interactive whiteboards for collaboration, and breakout rooms for group tasks. It also includes features like chat, hand-raising, and polls to enhance engagement and participation.

💡Best For: Corporate training departments, educational institutions, and professional development providers needing flexible and interactive remote learning capabilities.

Key Features

• Screen sharing for presentation of educational materials.
• Virtual tours for new employees.
• Educational conferences, 1:1 sessions, and group meetups.
• Interactive whiteboards for ideas and questions exchange.
• Breakout rooms allow dividing learners into smaller groups for focused discussions or group tasks.
• Polls with various response options, including anonymous voting.

Pricing: Free Basic Plan; Pro Plan – $15.99/mo; Business – $21.99/mo; Business Plus & Enterprise Plans via contact sales.

#8. Teachfloor

Teachfloor is another example of a platform for synchronized learning, integrating Zoom to facilitate interactive cohort-based education. It offers robust features including virtual social integration for an interactive community, comprehensive performance reports, analytical business reports for corporate trainers, and Stripe integration for seamless payment processing.

Teachfloor supports white-label branding and ensures professionalism with automated email reminders and 24/7 support.

💡Best For: Corporate trainers and educators seeking a user-friendly, analytical, and interactive platform for synchronous educational process.

Key Features

• Virtual social integration for an interactive community.
• Comprehensive performance reports on student progress.
• Analytical business reports for corporate trainers.
• Stripe integration for receiving payments.
• White-label support.
• Automated email reminders.
• 24/7 standby support services.

Pricing: Startup Plan – $99/mo; Business Plan – $399/mo; Advanced Plan – custom price.

#9. Docebo

Docebo is a real-time learning LMS renowned for its AI capabilities and holistic approach to the learning journey. With virtual and in-person learning tools, Docebo enhances collaboration through discussion boards, forums, and user-generated content. Its interactive features, such as live polls, quizzes, and breakout rooms, enhance engagement and participation. Additionally, it offers a mobile app for learners and social learning capabilities.

💡Best For: Enterprises and large organizations seeking advanced features and predictive analytics for employee training and development.

Key Features

• Integration of virtual and in-person activities.
• Enhanced collaboration through discussion boards and forums.
• AI-driven personalized learning paths and recommendations.
• Advanced reporting and analytics for tracking learner progress.
• Seamless integration with third-party tools and content libraries.

Pricing: Engage Plan — $25,000/year; Elevate Plan — $40,000/year; Enterprise — custom price

Conclusion

Synchronous and asynchronous learning types usually complement each other. In asynchronous learning, students need to watch lectures on tape or in the form of a presentation, and online synchronous courses often include webinars, meetings with invited experts, or Q&A sessions with the teacher.

A blended format is the most advantageous option because it takes the best of both synchronous and asynchronous.

So, if you're ready to implement this approach, try EducateMe 14-day free trial for your blended learning needs. Allow your learners to take the most from the educational journey.