Week 22 · Theme 3, Lesson 8 Synchronous and Asynchronous Communication · 3 lessons
1
Choosing the right way to reply
ICT P4 Term 2, Theme 3: pp. 38–41
GoalChoose between live communication and communication for later, depending on the situation.
New words
urgent · needs action very sooncomplex · hard, with many partssensitive · needs extra care because it could upset someonesuitable · right for the situation
Explanation
Live communication, such as a call or a video call, is wonderful: we can send quick good wishes and check on people who live far away. But live is not always best. Sometimes we, or the people we talk to, need time to think about what was sent, a question or an answer. Live (synchronous) communication suits friends and close family, urgent news, everyday matters, and answers that need little thought. Communication for later (asynchronous) suits people you do not know well, important matters that are not urgent, sensitive or complex matters, and answers that need thought and preparation. Online learning environments use both kinds.
Live (synchronous) suits
Later (asynchronous) suits
friends and close family
people you do not know well
urgent news
important matters that are not urgent
everyday matters
sensitive or complex matters
quick answers
answers that need thought
Worked examples
Habiba’s bus is late and her mother must know right now. It is urgent, so a live call is the right choice.
Marwan wants to ask a teacher he hardly knows a careful question about the project. He writes a message with care, the teacher replies when ready, and Marwan can read the answer again.
Jana asks her cousin: shall we play football tomorrow? It is a quick question between family members, so a live call is suitable.
Class activity
Live or later cards. Write six situations on small cards, for example: the lights went out at home, or a thank-you note to a librarian. Make two piles: LIVE and LATER. Explain each choice to a partner. Did you disagree? Talk about why.
Practice
1
Name two situations where live communication is suitable.
Any two of: friends or close family, urgent news, everyday matters, a quick answer.
2
Why can communication for later be better for a hard question?
Because both people have time to think and prepare.
3
Which picture shows an urgent situation? Say the letter.
A, because the bus leaves very soon.
4
Online learning uses a live lesson and homework handed in later. Which is synchronous and which is asynchronous?
The live lesson is synchronous; the homework handed in later is asynchronous.
