Asynchronous And Synchronous Distance Learning Of English As A Foreign Language

The paper deals with using Edmodo (an educational social network) and Google Meet as distance learning tool and platform in teaching English within university English courses during the first and second waves of COVID-19 in Slovakia. It draws the basic difference between online learning and distance learning, as well as between asynchronous and synchronous distance learning. It briefly introduces Edmodo's and Google Meet's main features that can be utilised in the process of distance learning of university students. It presents the results of the research that was conducted with the students of Faculty of Mass Media Communication of UCM in Trnava, who participated in English courses conducted by the means of asynchronous and synchronous distance learning during the summer term of the academic year 2019/20 and the winter term of 2020/21, i. e. during both waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Via the quantitative method of a questionnaire survey, the research participants provided feedback on both asynchronous distance learning (with Edmodo) and synchronous distance learning (combining Google Meet with Edmodo). The findings present students' perception of the educational platform and the videoconferencing tool pointing to their benefits, weaknesses and overall effectiveness as communication platforms within both forms of distance learning, asynchronous and synchronous. The paper draws comparison of the two methods and assumes conclusions regarding their effectiveness in distance learning of English.