We first need to consider why asynchronous CMC has value in higher education. Clearly it is mediated via computers, connected through a network. Email, bulletin board and computer conferencing systems, as well as some groupware tools are each types of asynchronous CMC technologies.
Timing can be a critical issue in learning contexts.
The flexibility of time offers opportunities for self-pacing by learners. The communicative nature of the medium also encourages active engagement in the learning process, promoting the articulation and sharing of ideas and understanding among the learning group. There are a number of benefits from collaboration for learning. Firstly we can collaborate to learn. For group members to collaborate necessitates them in articulating and explaining their ideas to each other.