Facilitating Active Learning in an Asynchronous Environment Using Simulations

Global Challenges And The Need For Active Online Learning

Following the global challenges surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, universities must re-adjust longstanding higher education practices. Many universities that had barely embraced online courses saw the need to change their modality in a matter of months. Changes in the ability to engage socially created a void for learners and staff and exposed the challenges of isolation in many online courses.

A study by Filho et al. (2021) revealed that 70% of those who responded (learners and academic staff) perceived the negative impacts of COVID-19 on their social interactions and communication during social distancing/isolation (p. 1). For many courses, the resulting modality switch changed to isolation and passive learning. As institutions move toward a new model in higher education, questions surrounding learner enthusiasm and persistence become a focal point for faculty, staff, and administrators. Maintaining learner enthusiasm and rigor in the (now virtual) classroom and retaining learners from increasingly varied backgrounds requires changes to our current technology-enhanced online learning. Learner engagement in online learning environments can vary in scope. However, transforming passive learning activities with simulations has helped engage learners in complex challenges.

Simulations represent a desired change toward active engagement despite utilizing similar content as passive learning techniques. Take, for example, a case study. Case studies in a virtual format often provide an in-depth explanation of a historical or factual situation with several prompts following the reading of the material. While this learning activity has merit in its content, more active engagement is needed. Through engaging simulations, learners can explore multiple pathways, learn from their mistakes, and try again. Putting oneself in the simulation creates an additional layer of responsibility and learning. In addition, online simulations focused on teamwork help learners engage with virtual leadership (Northouse, 2022; Schmidt, 2014). Geographic barriers are decreasing, and the potential desire for high-quality leaders and followers is increasing; simulations are a viable option that allows learners to engage effectively with challenges in a structured and active environment.

Throughout this chapter, there are several areas of focus:

• 1.

  The importance of using active learning in an online environment.

• 2.

  A focus on the value of simulations within online, hybrid, and face-to-face environments.

• 3.

  An emphasis on simulation design for both individuals and teams.

• 4.

  A focus on redesigning current passive learning activities to active learning simulations.

• 5.

  A section dedicated to assessing learner learning within the simulation and creating appropriate assessment materials.

• 6.

  Examples of simulation success for both individual and group simulations.