Asynchronous learning design—Lessons for the post-pandemic world of higher education

Abstract

In this article, the author describes the use of a storytelling approach in a learning design with significant asynchronous elements. This approach was introduced in an upper-level international trade course with close to 200 students in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As most live “lectures” took place online and were subject to disruption due to Internet issues, the bulk of the content delivery was asynchronous, with the storytelling approach using “Sways” to address some of the common issues about engagement with asynchronous learning elements. The grade distribution and student feedback indicated that this approach was effective in achieving the stated learning goals. Finally, the author discusses how to adapt this approach to courses at other levels.