Authentic learning and online classroom

Synchronous, asynchronous and hybrid approaches

With synchronous classrooms, teachers and students are there to learn at the same time. Traditionally, turning on the camera feature by students was enough to ensure learning took place. Unfortunately, monitoring each student’s camera during long-term teaching is a very tedious task. Asynchronous classes have become more common, and students are allowed to study at their own convenience. There were no live classes meaning students were responsible for studying the material and completing assessments on their own, using guide or resources provided by the teacher. Self-motivation and discipline were crucial as independent learners. Considering the pros and cons of both, the hybrid classroom has become very popular in online offerings. Yes, there was ease for the students as their preference for direct or indirect classes was met to some extent. Regardless of the approach taken, the importance of holding students accountable appears to be crucial to authentic learning. The question then becomes: “What can teachers do to increase student accountability as the main drivers of authentic learning in synchronous, asynchronous, and blended classrooms?”

3 ways teachers can promote authentic learning in online classrooms

1. Plan to participate in each lesson

What seems like a tedious and time-consuming task remains the best way to get results for students, even though technology has made it easier to implement engaging lessons. It takes some searching on the part of the teacher because the journey of finding these tools may also include a search for knowledge. Control requires honesty, and teachers cannot be confident in their competence in requiring the use of technology. Breaking lessons into smaller parts can provide the ideal means of increased engagement. Doing so continually reaffirms to the student the teacher’s stance on engagement and learning. It is the design of the activity that will make the learning real. Having students demonstrate learning by producing work in short periods of time creates a platform for reflection and application, skills synonymous with authenticity.

• Examples in synchronous classrooms
  There are tools that can be used that allow students to work on the same document at the same time, even when viewed by the teacher.
• Examples in asynchronous classrooms
  Creating crossword puzzles and creating interactive videos amplifies engagement. Classifying these interim assessments and making them fixed fees is key.
• Examples in hybrid classrooms
  The unique mix of synchronous and asynchronous examples is key.

2. Have a clear and concise timeline for course delivery

The best course delivery schedules include placement planning in synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid spaces. When implemented correctly, it can be the most value-added tool for students. Although topical expenses vary, common headings for term dates (usually organized by week 1, 2, etc.), learning objectives, strategies, assignments, and due dates spark student accountability. When done in tabular form, it provides clarity on expectations. In addition, course delivery schedules are one way to direct accountability to students. No matter what the format, teachers are encouraged to be careful in using student-to-teacher and student-to-student discourse to address the challenge of authenticity in online spaces.

3. Determine the right mix of assessments

One of the first things students do when they sign up for an online class is to conduct extensive research on their peers who have taken the class before. The idea that tests, tests, and other assessments will be the same can be addressed through this abstract knowledge. Before the rise of online offerings, the most common mix followed the 60-40 rule where 60% was a combination of assignments, engagements and coursework, while the remaining 40% was exams. It is difficult to define a universal rule; Rather, it means that teacher autonomy is valued and that suggestions are considered optional. It is equally important to understand that summative test scoring may not be a comprehensive indicator of student understanding. Using case analysis and project-based assignments are two ways that can promote authentic learning. Here are some suggestions for e-learning spaces:

• Synchronous: 40-30-30
  40% assignments and tests, 30% participation and discussion, 30% project/case (including presentation)
• Asynchronous: 50-25-25
  50% assignments, discussion, and tests, 25% project/case, and 25% final exam.
• Hybrid: 60-40
  60% assignments, discussion and tests, 40% project/case.