Free Webinar: Using Custom GPTs to Facilitate Interactive Learning Experiences

As online learning grows, educators face the ongoing challenge of fostering interactive, student-centered experiences, particularly for asynchronous learners. This challenge becomes especially significant for what the presenter terms “Accidental Asynchronous Learners”—students who prefer synchronous learning but find themselves forced into asynchronous participation due to scheduling or situational constraints. These students often struggle with high transactional distance, a concept defined by Michael Moore (1997), which refers to the psychological and communication gaps that can arise in distance education. In asynchronous learning, where there is often less interpersonal dialogue and higher course structure, students with low learner autonomy (i.e., those less adept at self-directed learning) can feel isolated and unsupported.

In the face of these challenges, Generative AI (GenAI) tools, particularly those based on GPT models, present a potential solution. These tools offer opportunities for simulating interactive learning experiences, providing Accidental Asynchronous Learners with much-needed dialogue and flexible learning activities. This webinar will explore the use of custom-built GPTs to support students who cannot engage in real-time interactions, showcasing how these tools can foster deeper learning and greater engagement in asynchronous online environments. This session is designed to be dynamic, engaging, and exploratory. By positioning GenAI as a thinking partner rather than a thinking replacement, we can help students develop the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly AI-driven world.