Effective Methods of Teaching Asynchronous Classes

Introduction

The fact that developing information technologies have become an indispensable part of economic and social life has made it a necessity for educational institutions to focus on e-learning (Durnalı, Orakcı, & Aktan, 2019; Orakcı, 2020). Asynchronous learning is a type of e-learning approach which is now becoming commonly used. E-learning refers to all forms of electronically supported instruction. E-learning has become an integral component of teaching due to COVID-19 pandemic which has been characterized by extensive lockdowns to reduce the spread of the virus in addition to that the pandemic has enabled the institutions to develop various educational policies (Orakcı, & Gelişli, 2021). Asynchronous e-learning has many benefits because it accommodates multiple learning styles. It fosters increased access to education, is cost-effectiveness, and fosters high level of interactivity. Mayadas (1997) noted that asynchronous learning is an interactive learning approach which is not limited by time, place, or the constraints of a classroom. Learning events are independently experienced by students and learning is not synchronized in time or space. Some of the digital tools commonly used in asynchronous e-learning are emails, blogs, wikis, and discussion boards, with the instructor playing a larger role as facilitator between the students.

Asynchronous instruction occurs in delayed time and does not require the simultaneous participation of teacher and students (Sabau, 2005). It describes the process of teaching and learning in a technology-mediated environment that does not require the teacher and the student to interact at the same time but rather happen in delayed time (Johnson, 2006; Rovy et al., 2001). It is thus a key component of flexible e-learning. This type of learning style is specifically beneficial to students who need more time to respond to situations. They benefit immensely from this type of e-learning as it provides enough reflective time. It also fits into the tight work schedules of mid-level career professionals and millennials who are mostly time constrained. Key amongst the benefits provided by asynchronous e-learning is flexibility. Asynchronous courses provide learners with a flexible environment that is self-paced with learners accessing course content using a variety of tools such as CD-ROMs, streamed prerecorded audio/video web recordings, and audio podcasts. Communication and collaboration are enhanced via asynchronous discussions (Skylar, 2005).