UCL Learning Portfolio

Asynchronous learning is a major part of distance education as it offers plenty of flexibility, allowing students to learn at their own pace regardless of time zone, location, or schedule. However, asynchronous learning activities must be carefully designed to ensure students stay motivated and engaged.

This 90-minute session provides practical guidance on designing and sequencing asynchronous teaching and learning activities, focusing on the different tools and types of interaction, as well as on communication and accessibility considerations. We will explore the guiding principles to structure asynchronous learning both in a self-paced and tutor-facilitated course. Finally, you will get the opportunity to put it into practice by drafting an asynchronous unit in a storyboard format.

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• Identify benefits and limitations of asynchronous learning.
• Choose asynchronous learning tools and learning types for students' interaction with the content and for social interaction.
• Explain essential content accessibility requirements in the context of asynchronous learning.
• Design an asynchronous learning unit in a storyboard format.