Asynchronous Online Instruction

Related topics: Synchronous Instruction and Hybrid Instruction 

Asynchronous Instruction is a course delivery format that does not include scheduled and required meeting times with students, virtually/online or face-to-face. Asynchronous courses allow students to access course materials and assignments through the LMS (Canvas). Students are free to engage with course materials and assignments when their schedules allow, but assignment due dates typically keep the structure of the course on a week-to-week schedule. All tools can potentially be used in an Asynchronous course but those that allow for and encourage more opportunities for community building and connections among students (like Discussions and Groups) are most helpful.  

The LMS provides a central location for all course materials. Consistency in the course set up and structure will allow for an easier user experience and course navigation for the student. It is helpful to use communication tools consistently to keep students updated and supported. Offering optional, virtual “Office Hours” also provides students with an opening to check in, one-on-one.  

Resource: Communicating with Students  

Citation: Johnson, S.M. (2020). Communicating with Students. Vanderbilt University Course Development Resources. https://www.vanderbilt.edu/cdr/module-2/communicating-with-students/ 

Tools That Support Asynchronous Online Instruction  

Instruction Tool	Tutorial
Canvas Messaging	Sending messages to students through the Canvas Inbox
Canvas Announcements	Creating Announcements in a Canvas Course
Panopto for Video Announcements	Record a webcam video in Panopto
Panopto – Video Lectures and Video Discussions	Recording lectures and screen capturing with Panopto    Adding Panopto videos to a course page  Using Panopto for video discussions  Adding and recording audio to PowerPoint slides
Qwickly Attendance – Student Activity Mode	Take attendance based on student activity within your course
Canvas Discussions	Creating Canvas discussion boards
Canvas Groups	Create Groups in a Canvas course   Create group assignments   Create group discussions   Monitor student activity in groups
Canvas Modules and Pages (to share course materials)	Adding materials to Canvas modules  Uploading a file to Canvas pages, assignments, discussions, etc.   Embedding videos from the web (YouTube, Vimeo, Ted) within Canvas pages, assignments, discussions, etc.
Canvas Assignments	Creating assignments within a Canvas class  Setting up Canvas Assignments for online submission
Canvas Quizzes	Create online quizzes in Canvas   Use the math editor within a Canvas page, assignment, discussion, quiz, etc.
Zoom or Microsoft Teams for optional Virtual Office Hours	Managing Zoom Meetings  Using Microsoft Teams to chat and video conference   Zoom and Teams Comparison Chart

Additional Resources

• Technology Instruction Tools
• How to Read Your Student Schedule