What is synchronous communication?

Synchronous communication is communication which occurs at the same time.  Some examples of Synchronous communication are face-to-face communication, telephone calls and instant messenger (the ones where you can see the individual letters typed.)

What is the benefit of Synchronous communication? When would you use it? Provide examples?

The benefits of SC is that there is no waiting. All the communication happens immediately, in some cases it even can happen over the top of each other.  

One of the major benefits of using synchronous communication is that it reflects the communication which takes place between to people, face to face. People can be ’sending’ information to another person whilst simultaneously recieving information.

What is asynchronous communication?

Asynchronous communication is the opposite of synchronous communication. Sometimes known as interactive communication. This is communication which can flow in only one direction at one time. Once the transmission is finished the communication can then flow in the other direction.  Some examples of this is email, letters and text messages.

What is the benefit of asynchronous communication?  When would you use it?

Some of the benefits of asynchronous is that the communication takes place at a slower rate. This sometimes makes the communication clearer and may increase comprehension levels.