Before the health crisis, the field of vocational training represented only 5% of courses delivered remotely, as Pierre Monclos, Human Resources Director at Unow, highlighted in an edition of Le Nouvel Économiste published in April 2023. However, the impact of the crisis intensified the need to create and maintain strong connections with others, thus leading to a major shift: one third of training courses are now delivered remotely. This transition to remote formats has opened up new learning perspectives, highlighting synchronous and asynchronous modalities. These terms may seem unfamiliar, but they play an essential role in the training field. In this article, we will describe synchronous learning as a method that allows learners to participate live in training: they either meet physically in the same place to attend a class scheduled at a specific time or connect simultaneously to a video conference to attend an online class delivered live by the trainer. On the other hand, asynchronous learning refers to delayed training, allowing learners to follow a program at their own pace and according to their availability, without having to coordinate with other participants and without interacting directly with the trainer. Combining these two approaches gives participants a unique and memorable learning experience. At Seven, we are convinced of the strengths of this tandem—synchronous and asynchronous training—and therefore of the importance of combining the best of both worlds.

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Learning synchronously and asynchronously: what are the advantages?

Let’s look at the major advantages of synchronous learning. First, it allows participants to build connections with other learners as well as with their trainer. When a group of individuals attends a workshop simultaneously, they share the same experience, complete the same exercises, take part in the same reflections, and face the same difficulties. This shared experience makes it easier to establish connections among them. Whether in a physical or digital space, learners see that they are not alone, which can reassure them. They can confide in one another, allowing them to receive personalized advice. In addition, in a synchronous setting, it is easier for them to ask questions to their trainer and therefore interact with them. The facilitator, for their part, can assess participants’ involvement, actively engage them (through individual or collective exercises), and ensure everyone’s motivation remains intact by drawing on the richness of exchanges.

Asynchronous mode also presents undeniable advantages. Indeed, it offers learners freedom. Everyone can decide when to take the training based on their schedule, personality, and preferences. However, it requires a certain amount of discipline from learners, who commit to following their training regularly. While we previously mentioned the development of links between participants and the reflections that result from them, all these aspects are entirely possible in asynchronous mode. The only difference is that exchanges do not happen live and feedback is not immediate. A participant can submit a request on a forum, an email address, or a chat, and then wait a few minutes or more to receive a response.

By combining these two approaches, synchronous and asynchronous, learners benefit from a more complete and balanced learning experience. Synchronous sessions give them a sense of belonging, mutual support, and direct interaction with the trainer, while asynchronous mode allows them to manage their time and reflect more deeply, while also fostering personal reflection and autonomy.

Combining both modes: the best method!

Combining synchronous and asynchronous modes allows learners to strengthen their knowledge of the subject being studied. If asynchronous learning comes before synchronous training, participants can familiarize themselves with the subject and take ownership of the content before discovering it live. When both modes are used simultaneously, learners can progress quickly in acquiring skills by working on the subject daily. Finally, when asynchronous learning comes after synchronous training, it allows learners to review the concepts studied from a new angle, thereby reinforcing learning and deepening understanding.

This combination of both modes also has the effect of stimulating exchange between learners. Although interactions may seem more limited in asynchronous mode, exchanges can absolutely be numerous thanks, for example, to online discussion forums, file-sharing platforms, and other similar tools.

At Seven, we have in fact adopted an approach that integrates both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Our facilitators, all selected for their expertise and passion for sharing knowledge, encourage all the participants they support to complete exercises between synchronous sessions, thus allowing them to put into practice what they have learned. In addition, we, the Seven team, make sure to provide all our participants with a summary booklet at the end of the training, in which the concepts studied are grouped together. On top of that, we share additional resources with them such as videos, podcasts, books, and articles, so that they can, if they wish, delve deeper into concepts already studied and discover new topics.

By harmoniously combining synchronous and asynchronous learning, learners benefit from an enriching, well-paced, and interactive learning experience, enabling them to deploy the full extent of their potential.

Synchronous and asynchronous training: what does not change

For the content delivered in training to have a direct impact on participants’ daily lives, specific preparation by the team responsible for designing the training is necessary.

In the case of synchronous training, the facilitator must have in-depth knowledge of their subject, even more so than if it were asynchronous training. Why? Because they share their knowledge in real time, without the possibility of practicing several times to improve the quality of their presentation. Yahya Fallah, co-founder of Seven, had highlighted in his exchanges with Nicolas Chalon, journalist for Le Nouvel Économiste, the high level of pedagogical mastery required by synchronous mode.

For asynchronous training, digitizing content is essential. Course materials, videos, resources, and exercises must be adapted to an online format and easily accessible to learners. This will ensure an autonomous and smooth learning experience and allow progression at one’s own pace.

Preparing synchronous or asynchronous training: what differences?

Whether for synchronous or asynchronous training, certain practices can be put in place to offer participants an optimal experience.

In synchronous and asynchronous training, one key element is pace. Seven’s facilitators adopt varied and dynamic approaches to maintain constant and intense participant engagement. This can include, for example, riddles, quizzes, debates, individual exercises, pair exchanges, group reflection work, idea feedback sessions, role-playing, and many other activities. In reality, moments of one-way transmission—that is, times when the trainer simply shares knowledge—are limited to around 20 minutes. Breaks, for their part, can vary from 10 minutes to several weeks, thus offering participants the opportunity to recharge, step back, or return with fresh and innovative ideas. When we support our “Seveners,” we remind them of the crucial place of timing for the success of their facilitation. "Every detail must be refined, otherwise the learner may be lost along the way," Yahya specified in Le Nouvel Economiste.

Another major factor in synchronous and asynchronous learning: ensuring learners’ active involvement. In his interview with the journalist from Le Nouvel Economiste, Yahya emphasized the need to reduce theoretical moments, times during which participants are in a passive posture. In synchronous and asynchronous modes, they must be continually engaged, prompted to do something. How? By encouraging them to reflect on specific subjects, establish links between what they have learned and their past or current experiences, or by confronting them with real or fictional scenarios. In doing so, they become actors in their own learning.

Integrating pace and involving learners are at the heart of the Seven method, whatever the mode, synchronous or asynchronous.

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Synchronous and asynchronous modes each independently present clear advantages. Synchronous learning allows learners to build connections with other participants and trainers by living a shared experience and benefiting from real-time support. Asynchronous learning, for its part, offers greater flexibility, allowing learners to choose the time and pace that suit them best, while also offering possibilities for delayed interaction. But when these two approaches are combined, it is the perfect tandem: participants benefit from rich and diverse content, live and delayed interactions, and flexibility in their learning journey. This combination promotes the memorization of concepts studied and undeniably strengthens their skills. At Seven, we already combine these two approaches by offering scenario-based, well-paced, and collaborative training.