Critical Elements of an Internet Based Asynchronous Distance Education Course

Abstract

Asynchronous distance education options are rapidly becoming attractive to a number of audiences for a variety of reasons. Unlike synchronous models, asynchronous courses do not require extensive technological or facilities support, they do not require laborious scheduling formulas or restrictive time commitments. They offer students freedom in choosing times and locations of engaging in the course, and can be conducted with hardware and software readily available to most students. The present article outlines some of the issues that need to be considered when developing an asynchronous distance course. It describes the components of a course currently being offered using this model, and concludes with a discussion of some problem areas that students and faculty may face when engaging in this new course format.