Asynchronous Learning for Women Who Need Flexibility
The world has changed. We have more access to knowledge and information than ever before, and it’s becoming increasingly common for people to work and learn at home. This switch to remote learning and working has many benefits, particularly for women and women-identifying entrepreneurs who often juggle multiple responsibilities.
Asynchronous learning offers a solution that can help you achieve your educational goals without compromising your other commitments. Let’s explore the world of asynchronous courses with Megan Bertagnolli, a Program Lead with Alberta Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), and Jennifer Delisle of Onlea. Here are some key points we’ll cover:
Asynchronous learning provides significant flexibility, allowing students—particularly women with multiple responsibilities—to engage with educational content at their convenience.
Students can control their pace with this learning style. This can lead to more effective learning outcomes, as students can spend more time on challenging topics and move quickly through familiar material.
A successful asynchronous course requires active engagement, relevant connections to students' lives, effective use of tools and technologies, and opportunities for interaction.
What Makes Asynchronous Learning a Fit for Busy Women Business Owners
Asynchronous learning is a powerful tool for women entrepreneurs who need flexibility in their education. Studies have shown that asynchronous learning can increase knowledge retention by 20%. And while course success depends heavily on the student’s learning style and commitment (among other factors), trends toward asynchronous learning have been steadily increasing since the pandemic.
Unlike traditional classroom-based or synchronous online learning, asynchronous learning allows students to access course materials and complete assignments at their own pace. This flexibility is crucial for women entrepreneurs who already have so much on the go, as it enables them to fit their education into their busy schedules.
Jennifer Delisle, an expert in instructional design, has seen the transformative impact of asynchronous learning firsthand. With a PhD in English and over 12 years of experience in instructional design, she has worked with a wide range of clients. She emphasizes that asynchronous online learning is not just about the mode of delivery, but about achieving learning goals through flexible, self-directed study.
Megan Bertagnolli also sees the benefits of asynchronous online learning. With a master's degree in art history and over 10 years of teaching experience, she has developed numerous online courses and programs. She notes that the ability to learn at one's own pace is a significant advantage of asynchronous learning, allowing for greater accessibility and personalization.
"One of the biggest benefits I see from my students is the flexibility—the capacity to choose when you engage with the content or activities. Creating your own schedule is a huge advantage, but it's also the biggest challenge,” Bertagnolli says. “I always tell my students, you have to prioritize it and hold yourself accountable. The flexibility allows you to keep your job or commitments, but you must manage it wisely.”
Choosing a Course: Best Practices for Effective Asynchronous Learning
For women considering asynchronous courses, it’s wise to look at the course as a whole. What is the intake or onboarding process like? What is the recommended weekly commitment? What are the expected outcomes? For example, a course that doesn’t define expected outcomes may not be as effective as a course that gives you a recommended study schedule to help you succeed.
For asynchronous learning to be effective, it must be well-designed and engaging. Here’s what to look for when shopping around for an asynchronous online course:
Active Learning Experiences: Will there be opportunities to engage actively with the content? This can include interactive activities, discussions, and practical applications of the material. The more you can "do" something with the content, the better you’ll retain and understand it.
Connection to Lived Experiences: To what extent does the instructor connect the learning it to students' personal and professional lives? This helps make the content more meaningful and easier to remember.
Utilize Effective Tools & Technologies: What technology and tools are used in the course? Outside of how the course is delivered to you, the opportunity to engage with and use different tech for your business is invaluable in an ever-evolving digital world.
Opportunities for Interaction: How does the course facilitate conversation between students? Building connections and networks have a profound impact on student enjoyment and success.
But perhaps the most important consideration for asynchronous learning is in the design. “Good design benefits everyone,” Bertagnolli says. With a person-first design, any online course or learning experience can help people of all backgrounds and abilities, providing more educational content to more people around the world.
How Asynchronous Learning Can Transform Your Educational Journey
There are some common misconceptions about asynchronous learning.
“Many people see it as a compromise or second choice, but in reality, it can be the best choice for many students. Asynchronous learning offers advantages like practice simulations in a safe environment, standardized content that can be easily scaled, an increased feeling of control over your learning, and the ability to return to a course as an ongoing reference,” Delisle says.
And the data shows it. As of today, 49% of students across the world have participated in online learning and 70% say they actually prefer online learning to traditional classes.
Asynchronous learning courses are designed with intentionality and provide students with the same quality of content (if not better) as traditional learning, with the comfort and flexibility to schedule your learning in the way that works best for you. Additionally, scheduling regular study times and breaking the material into manageable chunks can significantly enhance the learning experience.
The Future of Asynchronous Learning with Alberta Women Entrepreneurs
The future of asynchronous learning is promising, especially with advancements in technology. Delisle and Bertagnolli foresee the increased use of artificial intelligence to personalize and enhance the learning experience.
As AI develops, Delisle notes the importance of caution. AI carries significant risks regarding accuracy and ethics, so while it can be a valuable tool, it’s not a replacement for human instructors, subject matter experts, or instructional designers.
AI has the potential to revolutionize asynchronous learning in many ways, such as:
Personalized Learning Paths: AI can analyze a student's progress, learning style, and performance to create customized learning paths. This means each student can receive content tailored to their unique needs, strengths, and areas for improvement.
Adaptive Assessments & Feedback: AI-powered assessments can adapt to a student's level of understanding in real time. This allows students to understand their mistakes and learn from them more effectively. Adaptive assessments can also adjust the difficulty of questions based on the student's performance, ensuring they are appropriately challenged.
Enhanced Engagement & Interaction: AI can facilitate interactive learning experiences by incorporating chatbots and virtual tutors that provide instant support and guidance. These AI-driven tools can answer questions, offer explanations, and even engage in discussions, simulating a more interactive and responsive learning environment. This can help students feel more connected and supported, even in an asynchronous setting.
Data-Driven Insights: AI can collect and analyze vast amounts of data on student behaviour and performance. Educators can use these insights to identify trends, predict outcomes, and make informed decisions about course design and content. For example, if data shows that a particular module consistently challenges students, educators can modify it to improve comprehension and retention.
Improved Accessibility & Inclusion: AI can enhance the accessibility of asynchronous learning by providing tools like automated transcription, translation, and text-to-speech capabilities. This makes educational content more accessible to students with disabilities or those who speak different languages.
While AI offers huge potential, it’s not a replacement for living experts. Finding a course that emphasizes human connection and sharing credible knowledge should be a priority when considering courses for personal and professional development.
Are you looking for an asynchronous online course that can flex to meet your needs and fit your life? Explore AWE's Strategic Edge and Bold Leadership Program. Through this program, you can leverage asynchronous learning to grow your business.
Learn more about the Strategic Edge and Bold Leadership Program and discover the difference of asynchronous learning with AWE.