To blend or not to blend? Synchronous and asynchronous teaching perspectives in online marketing education

With the rapid expansion in online marketing education it is important that optimum teaching delivery methods are used. Ongoing debate surrounds the use of live chats versus discussion threads for online activities. This paper focuses on both these synchronous and asynchronous online tutorial delivery formats from both student and staff, as well as the online learning management system perspectives. Different interactive student behaviour within the unit’s learning site is observed depending on the tutorial delivery format used. Clear preferences, advantages and limitations are observed amongst both staff and students. Implications for the delivery of online marketing units are discussed.