Learn at a Distance

How can we visualize asynchronous course components without ever having learned or taught in this modality? How can we move away from a lecture video approach when our foundational experiences of  online learning were during the pandemic, when Emergency Remote Teaching, Zooms and a Google Folder, was the norm. It may be helpful to identify metaphors that can help us visualize what these asynchronous learning components might be.

Online learning is transforming, and with it comes a shift in how courses are designed and delivered. Instead of creating every piece of content from scratch, instructors can step into the role of curators, carefully selecting, organizing, and contextualizing existing materials. This approach reimagines the online classroom as a thoughtfully designed exhibit, where each resource is chosen with intention.

Picture an instructor assembling a collection of resources—videos, articles, interactive tools, and case studies—that align with the course’s goals. These materials aren’t just thrown together; they are arranged in a way that tells a story, leading learners through key concepts and fostering deeper understanding. With added context and commentary, the instructor connects the dots, ensuring that students grasp not only the content but also its relevance.

This method addresses some of the challenges of online learning. By focusing on curation, instructors can save time and energy while still offering high-quality, diverse, and up-to-date materials. The learning experience becomes richer, allowing students to engage with multiple perspectives and insights. At the same time, this curated approach creates opportunities for interaction and critical thinking, as learners are encouraged to engage with the content and one another in meaningful ways.

Designing online courses through curation transforms them into vibrant, interactive spaces. It shifts the focus from delivering content to creating an environment where learners can explore, question, and grow. It’s a way of teaching that recognizes the abundance of resources available and harnesses them to craft a more engaging and effective learning experience.

You can read about the ideas in this video in this short article.

Access a captioned version of this video on YouTube.