Five Truths Learned After a Dozen Years of Asynchronous Online Teaching

In this article the author reflects on his more than twelve years of teaching asynchronous online law school courses and shares some of his beliefs about the value and limits of asynchronous teaching. The article addresses some surprising strengths of asynchronous online courses, including how black letter case law may be more effectively taught in the online format. Additionally, the article discusses how the asynchronous online format provides opportunities to excel for students with different abilities and personalities. The article also addresses some potential limitations in the asynchronous online format, including the challenges inherent in student group work and collaboration.

Additionally, the article addresses key structural decisions that a professor can make to strengthen the course and the student experience, including both philosophical and practical guidance.