AsynchronousLearning

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=ASYNCHRONOUS LEARNING = Asynchronous learning is a teaching method that uses online learning tools and technologies to facilitate information sharing //outside the constraints of time and place//. This includes the use of Learning Management Systems (eg Moodle) as well as more basic tools such as email, discussion forums, wikis and blogs. Any learning that can happen without the student needing to be in a specific place at a specific time....is known as __a__synchronous.
 * What is it? **

**Point me to something...** QuickTopic is a simple asynchronous tool. It is a single-topic web forum which allows online discussion, but as it is an example of asynchronous communication, students can participate in class discussions even though they cannot come to class.

**What is happening in education?**
 * Educators are using simple tools such as QuickTopic to ensure that students unable to attend class are not disadvantaged, and are able to learn from each other as well as from course materials.
 * The asynchronous nature of these tools is popular because it allows students time to reflect and respond, and therefore encourages those who are unlikely to participate in a face to face situation.

**Examples** >
 * Here are some examples of how people are using QuickTopic
 * Lonely Planet forum - another example of a discussion forum....not entirely education but interesting and useful! :-)
 * Fitness Australia online forum...this is a very active forum for the fitness industry.

**Show me how...** If you have questions about QuickTopic, start with the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). Following is a video showing a lecturer who uses discussion boards as part of her teaching program. The simplest way to offer some form of asynchronous learning though, is to seriously consider what your students might be able to learn, research, practice or do...without having to be physically 'present' all the time.

media type="youtube" key="h7wFrITZ0FA?version=3" height="349" width="425"

'Time Travel' photo:: CC licensed Flickr photo by thunderchild7
 * Acknowledgement**

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