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'Asynchronous' communication is a term often used to describe web-based technologies such as discussion boards etc. where all participants log on and contribute to a 'discussion' at a time that suits them.  Discussion is usually ongoing (although it can be time-limited) and isn’t reliant on all participants being logged on at the same time.  

What are the biggest problems with asynchronous communication?

The levels of participation are usually very poor for the following reasons.

• Posts to the discussion boards need to be frequent for people to maintain an interest in the boards, and so if the level of participation drops no further postings are made. 
• Checking the discussion board for posts is an additional chore, which often means people don’t take part. 
• The asynchronous nature encourages people to give participation a lower priority.

How can these problems be overcome?

• Raise the profile of postings by using discussion board software that also sends emails to the members of the group (and so is a combination discussion board and mailbase). This acts as a prompt for members to participate. 
• Structure the discussions so that there are specific questions/items to discuss. These activities are most effective if they gradually introduce participants to the forum.
• Regularly structure the discussion threads using some of the following actions:
  • Cut and paste discussion threads that diverge or are repeating discussions elsewhere, so that each thread corresponds to one topic.
  • Occasionally summarise the discussion so far, weaving together the various points made by students.
  • Identify specific points within the threads to prompt particular discussions, eliciting answers to specific questions.

Make the discussion time-dependent, so that members cannot procrastinate.

• Assess members’ levels of interaction. However, this is very problematic in itself, since instigating new assessment methodology may require revalidation of the project, and determining assessment criteria for participation in a web-based discussion is very difficult. 
• Make the subjects being discussed part of a larger activity, eg a presentation to the group at a face-to-face meeting.