| | JULY - AUGUST 20258CANADACANADATECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS THAT DRIVE EDUCATION SECTORIN MY OPINION I have always enjoyed the question, `What do you do for a living?' Sit down, my friend, while I tell a tale of the wonders of supporting virtual asynchronous education! Blank stares usually follow. Many people are still wondering what `asynchronous' means. Is it a piece of technology, a pedagogy, or maybe some obscure internet meme reference? At my institution, Thompson Rivers University, we have provided online asynchronous learning options for decades. Our learners are typically older and have taken complicated pathways to this moment of finally pursuing education. We are that option for educational goals when other options aren't feasible. However, one challenge of asynchronous learning opportunities is getting students to engage with the institution, as they are typically busy and studying on alternative schedules. My team is tasked with this challenge, and I'd like to share some of what we are doing.At its core, asynchronous education flips the script on traditional education models. Instead of adhering to fixed schedules and synchronous class sessions, students have the freedom to access (typically online) course materials, lectures, and assignments at their own pace and convenience, starting courses at any time throughout the year (course registration is possible 365 days per year). This flexibility is particularly invaluable for individuals juggling work, family responsibilities, or other commitments, allowing them to pursue education on their terms without compromising other aspects of their lives. While the convenience and flexibility of online education are undeniable, many educators and students alike have expressed concerns about the loss of the sense of engagement and community that traditionally occurs in face-to-face environments. ASYNCHRONOUS ADVANTAGE: FLEXIBLE LEARNING OPTIONS WHILE MAINTAINING STUDENT ENGAGEMENTBy Matt Dyck, Director, Student Engagement and Experience, Thompson Rivers UniversityMatt Dyck is the Director of Student Engagement and Experience at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada.He has 15 years of experience in online and open-based educational offerings. He is passionate about how open pedagogy and emerging technologies can support learners of diverse backgrounds in asynchronous virtual educational settings.Matt Dyck
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