Is there any difference in facilitators' instructional styles used in asynchronous vs. synchronous environments?

Facilitators in an asynchronous learning environment are student- centered and student controlled. Courses are often set up to focus more on the learners. The facilitator is there to macro-manage learners by guiding the course, the learners in discussion, and there to answer any questions. Facilitators in an asynchronous learning environment implement the online module of “anytime” and “anywhere” providing learners with flexibility and time to reflect on discussion questions, assignments, and team collaboration.

Facilitators in a synchronous learning environment provide learners with a learning experience that closely imitates a traditional classroom setting. Tools are used to make online course more social and interactive. Therefore, facilitators do not have time to reflect on learners’ questions but must answer quickly and in a timely fashion. This environment calls for synchronous facilitators to be micro-managers as they have to set up class meeting times, detailed instruction, be creative to avoid dead air time, and state specific course expectations.