Networks and Communication

Asynchronous communication is also known as non real-time communication. It enables flexibility because it allows receiver to receive information when it's most convenient for them. Some forms of asynchronous collaboration,such as email, are ubiquitous. Asynchronous communication can be used in forms of web logs, where people can share ideas and comment. It can be used as discussion boards where dialogues can take place over time, messaging (email), databases, website links, etc..
Synchronous communication is also known as real time communication. It takes place like a conversation where it allows people to connect at a single point in time, at the sametime. Synchronous communication can be used in forms chat, instant messaging, audio, video, and web conference. This type of communication allows in-depth discussion with higher-touch interactions, sharing presentaion and information, and discussions and dialogues. In the article " Skype in the Classrrom, from York to Antarctica," the third graders are able to interact with scientist that were on the other side of the continent through skype. They were able to apply the materials they had learned and form discussions and higher-touch interactions.