OTAN News

Add Asynchronous Video to Your Online Teaching Repertoire

Posted on 02/17/2021

Clipart of computer monitor with video play button on screen Image by 200 Degrees External Link Icon opens in new window or tab from Pixabay External Link Icon opens in new window or tab

After close to a year of online teaching, perhaps the hardest part of the experience has been the amount of videoconferencing (on Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, Skype) that teachers and students have had to do. It's not unusual to hear about "Zoom fatigue" or "Zoom hangovers" after spending so much time in online classes. Digital divide issues such as spotty internet or many people having to share a device have added to the challenge of staying connected to the class and school.

Another alternative available to teachers is using asynchronous video to share teaching and content. Richard West and Jered Borup, two longtime online teachers, share their thoughts on The Power of Asynchronous Video External Link Icon opens in new window or tab in a series of short articles that cover a wide range of topics:

Unbounded by Time: Understanding How Asynchronous Video Can Be Critical to Learning Success External Link Icon opens in new window or tab includes some of the benefits of asynchronous video and different ways it can be used in online classes.
Putting Your Best Self Forward: 6 Keys For Filming Quality Videos External Link Icon opens in new window or tab includes important considerations when making videos and a humorous look at what not to do.
Teacher, Are You There? Being "Present" in Online Learning External Link Icon opens in new window or tab includes ways to be present with students even though you are physically separated.
Let's Discuss Discussions: Using Asynchronous Video to Improve Online Discussions External Link Icon opens in new window or tab includes ideas about video messaging and ways to incorporate asynchronous video into student discussions.
Improving Problem-Based Learning with Asynchronous Video External Link Icon opens in new window or tab discusses how to connect asynchronous video with problem-based learning.
Back to Feedback Basics Using Video Recordings External Link Icon opens in new window or tab provides some ideas on how to provide video feedback instead of text.
The Handoff: Transitioning from Synchronous to Asynchronous Teaching External Link Icon opens in new window or tab discusses the use of video in the shift from synchronous to asynchronous instruction.