Asynchronous Instruction: Ideas for Student Engagement by Jordan Johnson

What is asynchronous learning? How can teachers support student engagement while learning at home?

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Asynchronous instruction occurs when students learn on their own at home without the guidance of a teacher. During asynchronous instruction, students may watch videos, read information, or explore websites to achieve the learning objective. To increase the effectiveness of asynchronous instruction, teachers can incorporate technology tools to engage students in learning and provide opportunities for virtual interactions with peers.

Listen to this podcast to learn more about asynchronous learning and student engagement.

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Flip

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If you use turn & talks during in-person lessons, try using Flip (formerly known as Flipgrid).

Using Flip, students can post videos in response to a topic or question. This platform allows students to edit clips, add audio, and use stickers, pictures and drawings to support their ideas. After posting their video, students can then view their peers' videos and respond with a video or written comment.

Flip Asynchronous Example (3rd Grade):

Students listen to a read aloud of Owl Moon by Jane Yolen.
Students choose a non-literal quote to share with their classmates.
Students post a video reading the quote and add visuals to their video.
Students must respond to two peers and discuss what they think the non-literal quote means.

Nearpod

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If you use exit tickets during in-person lessons, try using Nearpod.

Nearpod provides an opportunity for students to engage with the material presented in the slides in a variety of formats. Students can share their thoughts with other classmates by positing on a collaborate board or poll. Teachers can also collect individual student responses using the “draw it” slide or creating a quiz.

Nearpod Asynchronous Example (4th Grade):

Students read two article with contrasting points-of-view about deforestation.
On the next slide, students fill in a Venn Diagram to compare and contrast the author's point-of-view using the "Draw It" feature.
After submitting, the teacher reviews each student's work to check the student's ability to comprehend the articles and apply the skill.

Lumio

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If you use literacy games during in-person lessons, try using Lumio.

Teachers can engage students in literacy learning by selecting a literacy game from the Lumio bank. The game formats include: matching cards, fill in the blank, memory, game show, and competitive quizzes. Students can also use Lumio to create a graphic organizer to support their comprehension of texts. This platform allows teachers to monitor each student's progress and review their responses.

Lumio Asynchronous Example (2nd Grade):

Review the following rule with students:
- Use -dge after a short vowel sound.
- Use -ge after a long vowel sound.
Allow students to sort the words using the "Super Sort" game.

Try it Out: https://lum.io/student/share/6543cc45-5115-4fab-846d-468eb5390888

Critical Literacy

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In alignment with critical literacy, it is essential that students are co-constructors of the learning environment. When reading a text, students should share their understandings based on their prior experiences and funds of knowledge. Friere (1983) states that "reading the world precedes reading the word", meaning that all students have valuable ideas and thoughts to contribute to the learning environment (p.5). Therefore, no matter the learning environment, virtual or in-person, it is important to provide students with the opportunity to share their connections and work with their peers to better understand the world through literacy. Similarly, it is essential for students to share their writing in authentic contexts with peers. As a result, students will see literacy as a tool to express themselves and address injustices in their communities.

Research to Support the Use of Flip

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In a study conducted by Green et al. (2021), teachers found that Flipgrid “led to engagement with their peers” and “opportunities to share their learning and ideas” (p. 792).

Research to Support the Use of Nearpod

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Nearpod allows teachers to incorporate “interesting and attractive learning media” that helps students avoid boredom which negatively impacts students’ academic achievement (Abdullah et al., 2022, p. 126)

Research to Support Literacy Games (Lumio)

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A study conducted at a Title I elementary school with nine first grade students found that playing digital sight word games increased students' on-task behavior. Additionally, Gibbon (2017) summarized the study by stating, "sight word games were a powerful intervention tool for sight word achievement and engagement" (p. 14).

1) Teachers can model how to use the technology tools before students are required to use them during instruction.

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3) Teachers can create a handout for families explaining the technology tool.

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Ideas to Support Diverse Learners

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1) Allow students to write or speak in multiple languages.

2) Allow students to use multiple forms of representation to show their understanding. For example, students may draw on the screen while recording a Flip video to explain a concept.

3) Encourage creativity while editing videos or making posts.

4) Record video or audio instructions for multilingual learners or struggling readers.

5) Provide sentence stems for verbal or written responses.

2) Teachers can upload a recorded video that students can refer to, if they are having trouble using the tool.

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4) Teachers can create a demo student account to ensure students have access to the content.

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Create a warm welcome or feelings check-in using the technology tools!

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At the beginning or end of the lesson, students can circle how they are feeling after completing the reading or writing task. This will help teachers support students emotionally or identify students who may need more support.

Teach and review expectations for conversations and digital safety.

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Explore this website to learn about setting expectations for student's learning at home.

References

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Abdullah, M. I., Inayati, D., & Karyawati, N. N. (2022). Nearpod use as a learning platform to improve student learning motivation in an elementary school. Journal of Education and Learning, 16(1), 121-129.

Freire, P. (1983). The importance of reading. Journal of Education, 165(1), 5-11.

Gibbon, J. M., Duffield, S., Hoffman, J., & Wageman,

J. J. (2017). Effects of educational games on sight word reading achievement and student motivation. Journal of Language & Literacy Education, 13(1), 1-15.

Green, T. D., Besser, E. D., & Donovan, L. C. (2021) More than amplifying voice and providing choice: Educator perceptions of Flipgrid use in the classroom. Association for Educational Communications & Technology, 785-795.