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More and more instructional designers are opting for online learning, partly because many global organizations comprise virtual teams that conduct all training and business online, and partly because some studies say that online learning is actually more effective than face-to-face instruction.
Still, many are skeptical of replacing the traditional in-person training approach with a student-centered online method. Without the presence of an instructor-led framework, how can learners be successful?
the context of the classroom—this presents a challenging task for introverts or learners who need more time for reflection before giving a response. Asynchronous discussion boards, often hosted in Learning Management Systems, allow for dynamic conversations to happen at a pace that fits each student. Peer-to-peer conversation can happen organically, with students responding to one another in the same way they do with their own email: when they have the time to respond thoughtfully.
The hallmarks of asynchronous learning
Asynchronous learning is a teaching method that takes place outside the constraints of time and place. The main features of asynchronous learning are that it is:- student-centered, meaning learners are active participants in their learning and often engage in peer-to-peer instruction;
- self-study, because lessons are completed on the student’s own time;
- online, outside of a traditional classroom.