There are several challenges adult educators face when it comes to supporting adult learners asynchronously. Those students tend to lose a sense of community and connection with both their teacher and their peers. In fact, sometimes it seems like they are almost forgotten about all together.
In Texas, we are starting distance learning call center to support those students AND their teachers. Because our asynchronous learners are distance learning students for a reason (crazy schedule,etc.) we want them to be able to have a support system on their time. So, instead of expecting our teachers to support our students 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we will have staff ready to help the students with technical issues and basic support needs Sun-Sat between the hours of 7 am and 10 pm.
I would love to know what other states are doing!
- How do you support your students working asynchronously?
- What do you think your program needs to make its DL program more successful?