Additional Resources
Check out this article on Asynchronous Teaching Tips from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
Here’s a helpful list of tips for teachers who are developing a course where lessons will be delivered asynchronously:
Self-guided learners need a variety of different activities to ensure understanding and promote engagement. Consider recording short video introductions for lessons, embedding multimedia, and adding short learning activities as helpful self-checks as the learners progress through the material.
Adult learners love to know why they are learning something. When you add in plenty of examples or applications from real life, the “why” becomes very clear. It’s also helpful to provide a rationale at the beginning of each lesson so that your learners see why it matters.
Remember, when a learner is progressing through the material independently, you are not there to make sure they “get it.” You need to give your materials quite a lot of thought to make sure you’re building in enough explanation, clarification, modelling, and links to provide extra help when introducing new concepts. It can help to ask a layperson to read through your lesson and flag any areas where they got a little lost.
Break your course into modules and your modules into pages that are organized around sub-topics. Keep in mind that modules can be one week, but they can also be shorter or longer. Modules are units of organization, not time!
Typically, learners who are self-motivated fare better in independent online courses than those who rely on extrinsic motivation. Get to know your learners and try to figure out some motivation that is not tied to grades. Some teachers set goals for their learners, write announcements recognizing exemplary work, or invite learners to share their ideas with the class.
Peer instruction occurs very naturally in a face-to-face classroom, but it can be lost in an asynchronous online course, unless discussion boards are used strategically. When using discussion boards, try to be active on the discussion boards by replying to learners, so that they can see you modelling appropriate discussion skills and you are extending their learning.
Remember that many learners struggle to develop the discipline that is required to stick with a self-guided online course. Focus on helping your learners by giving them reminders, and encourage them when they struggle. Consider reaching out to learners that haven’t logged in for a week, and perhaps offer a second chance if learners miss a deadline.
Check out this article on Asynchronous Teaching Tips from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
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