Asynchronous Learning

Tools

By: Matthew Pittman

Discussion Boards

Wikis

Assessments

Google Documents

Videos

Messages

Discussion Boards

Definition: “a tool for sharing thoughts and ideas about class materials” (Discussion Board, 2013)

• Used for: Communication

• Forum for online rich text based communication

• Thread-based discussions where participants respond to an initial prompt and to each other

• Example: phpBB

Discussion Boards

Wikis

Assessments

Google Documents

Videos

Messages

Wikis

Definition: “A space designed to be created and edited by groups of persons” (Simonson et al, 2012, p. 129)

• Used for: Collaboration, Communication

• Multiple linked pages

• Can be edited and updated frequently & quickly

• Excellent collaboration & group assignment tool

• Example: Wikipedia

Discussion Boards

Wikis

Assessments

Google Documents

Videos

Messages

Assessments

Tests\Quizzes

Can contain multiple choice, true/false, essay, and many other types of questions – also can include graphics, videos, and simulations

Can include time limits, multiple attempts and the ability to save and resume later

“Self-study activities that provide feedback to learners, motivate them to keep up with course readings, and provide reinforcement of important ideas” (Simonson et al, 2012)

Discussion Boards

Wikis

Assessments

Google Documents

Videos

Messages

Google Documents

Used for: Collaboration

Multiple users can contribute, edit, and format documents simultaneously online in real-time

No software installations required

Example: Google Drive

Discussion Boards

Wikis

Assessments

Google Documents

Videos

Messages

Videos

Used for: Learning Material

Audio and visual content used to explain concepts and course materials

Example: YouTube

Discussion Boards

Wikis

Assessments

Google Documents

Videos

Messages

Messages

Definition: “a familiar, email-like environment that you can use for course communication”(Blackboard Help, 2013)

Used for: Communication

Limited to only course participants

Refe

rence

sBlackboard Help (2013). Blackboard Inc. Retrieved from https://help.blackboard.com/en-us/Learn/9.1_SP_12_and_SP_13/Student/.

Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., & Zvacek, S. (2012). Teaching and learning at a distance: Foundations of distance education (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Pearson.