Effective Methods of Teaching Asynchronous Classes

Asynchronous e-learning has been popularized by the onset and rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is because this approach of e-learning speaks to social distancing which is a key element in controlling the spread of the coronavirus. This chapter starts by defining asynchronous e-learning and contrasting it with the synchronous approach. It progresses into identifying and discussing different digital tools used in asynchronous e-learning among them threaded discussion forums, recorded live events, documented cases, emails, blogs, wikis, and reflective journals. The chapter describes interactive, mediated, active, and collaborative learning as some of the key strategies used in asynchronous e-learning. It proceeds to explain the principles used in the development of asynchronous content together with highlighting best practice in effective asynchronous teaching. The chapter ends by identifying some of the key challenges associated with asynchronous e-learning and suggests mitigation strategies for dealing with the challenges.