Students Perception of Learning Online: Professor's Presence in Synchronous Versus Asynchronous Modality

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the students' perception of online synchronous versus asynchronous teaching modality in the Business School using students from the Information Systems Bachelor's degree. The hypothesis was: Students' will perceive a positive impact on their learning and satisfaction, given the opportunity for web-conferencing in a synchronous model with interaction between the professor and the students in online classes. The results of the data analysis were 4.07 for the synchronous versus 3.92 for asynchronous. Students' perception indicated that the synchronous model was more effective and positive for their learning. Based on the results of the study a recommendation for a multi-dimensional, multi-faceted curriculum that includes professor's real-time presence to create an atmosphere of trust, guidance and openness among students is affirmed. These events should be video-taped and made available throughout the course for students review.