They can log on and access class materials and discussions at virtually and time of day. Students receive their usernames and passwords allowing them access to the course materials. Each week, for the duration of the course, the instructor assigns units and materials from the course Web site, readings from the textbook and other print materials, writing assignments, group projects, and other activities. Students work on their own time, going over the online course material from any personal computer with Web access, whether it's at school, at home, at work, or in the library. They submit completed assignments via email.
Students communicate electronically with each other and the instructor several times a week.
Of course, email, voicemail, fax, and telephone are also viable means of communication, but the heart of an asynchronous Web-based course will take place in the online discussion room. Instructors use many strategies to promote communication online which help ensure student participation and achieve maximum effectiveness in online discussions. At appropriate times the instructor tests student retention of the material. Also, many textbook companies provide accompanying web quizzes as ancillary materials to the text. Depending on the school's examination policies, the instructor may need to make suitable arrangements for issuing and proctoring these exams.