Asynchronous conferencing

Asynchronous conferencing is the formal term used in science, in particular in computer-mediated communication, collaboration and learning, to describe technologies where there is a delay in interaction between contributors. It is used in contrast to synchronous conferencing, which refers to various "chat" systems in which users communicate simultaneously in "real time".
Specially in computer-meditated communication, it is emerging as a tool that can create opportunities for collaboration and support the inquiry process. In this form of communication, face-to-face conversation is not required and the conversation can last for long time. It has mostly been useful for online discussions and idea sharing which can be used for learning purpose or for solving problems over geographically diverse work-field.

Asynchronous conferencing has been practiced for many years now in various forms. A variety of means for supporting this form of communication are as follows:

Asynchronous conferencing is basically divided up into these following types:

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