How do you balance synchronous and asynchronous feedback methods?

Feedback is an essential part of any learning process, whether you are teaching, coaching, or mentoring someone. However, giving and receiving feedback can be challenging in a web conferencing environment, where you may have limited time, bandwidth, and interaction options. How do you balance synchronous and asynchronous feedback methods to ensure that your feedback is effective, timely, and respectful? Here are some tips to help you.

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1 Synchronous feedback

Synchronous feedback is an exchange of real-time information, such as verbal praise, criticism, clarification, or non-verbal gestures, facial expressions, and chat messages. This type of feedback can be beneficial for building rapport and trust with learners or colleagues, providing immediate reinforcement or correction, and encouraging participation and engagement. However, it also has some drawbacks, such as being dependent on the quality and availability of the web conferencing platform, limited by the time and attention span of participants, and influenced by emotions and biases. To balance synchronous feedback, plan ahead with clear expectations and goals for the session. Incorporate a variety of methods to suit different learning styles and preferences. Be specific, constructive, and respectful when giving feedback. Request feedback from learners or colleagues and acknowledge their opinions. Lastly, summarize main points and action steps at the end of the session with a follow-up email or document.

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2 Asynchronous feedback

Asynchronous feedback is feedback that you give or receive at a different time than the web conferencing session, such as via email, video, audio, or text. This type of feedback can be beneficial in that it allows for more thoughtful and comprehensive feedback, more flexibility and convenience, and less pressure and anxiety. However, asynchronous feedback can also be challenging due to potential delays or misinterpretations. To balance asynchronous feedback, you should set up a timeline and format for delivery and response. Use a clear language and tone when giving feedback, provide examples and evidence to support it, and invite questions and comments from learners or colleagues. Review the feedback and integrate it into your learning process and show appreciation and recognition.

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3 Balancing feedback methods

Finding the optimal balance between synchronous and asynchronous feedback methods in web conferencing is not a one-size-fits-all solution. This balance depends on various factors such as the purpose and scope of the feedback, the preferences and needs of the feedback giver and receiver, the availability and reliability of tools and resources, as well as the culture and norms of the learning or work environment. To find this balance, it is important to communicate with learners or colleagues to understand their expectations and preferences for feedback, evaluate and adjust based on outcomes, seek and apply feedback on your own skills and practices, and experiment with different methods to see what works best. Feedback is a powerful way to enhance learning and performance in web conferencing. By balancing synchronous and asynchronous feedback methods, you can make it more effective, timely, and respectful.

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Edie Clarke

Virtual Video Producer | Video Strategy, Remote Video Creation
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In my experience, if a client has an immediate concern or if time is of the essence, creating Loom videos are an effective way to provide quick and clear responses. Simple questions or instructions can often be handled easily by creating a Loom video that features me talking to the camera or sharing my screen as I walk them step-by-step through a process. However, for more complex topics or discussions, a synchronous method like 1:1 coaching can be more beneficial as it allows for real-time interaction and clarification. Some clients may prefer one method over the other, so it's important that I understand their needs and/or preferences and respond accordingly..

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4 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you balance synchronous and asynchronous feedback methods?

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1 Synchronous feedback

2 Asynchronous feedback

3 Balancing feedback methods

4 Here’s what else to consider

Web Conferencing

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