Leveraging the ASSURE Model and YouTube Videos in Online Learning for International Chinese Students

The rapid expansion of online teaching and learning has highlighted the need for effective instructional design, particularly for international students navigating new academic and cultural environments. This study explores the application of the ASSURE Model in designing and delivering an online Family Issues course to Chinese undergraduate students in a Malaysian university. The ASSURE Model’s six-step framework—assessing student characteristics, setting objectives, selecting and adapting materials, utilizing media, engaging students, and evaluating outcomes—provides a structured, adaptable approach that supports student-centred learning. YouTube videos were integrated as multimedia resources to enhance comprehension, engagement, and reflection, enabling students to interact with course content at their own pace. Feedback from students revealed that the combination of synchronous and asynchronous methods, reflection writing, and culturally relevant video content improved understanding, fostered critical thinking, and encouraged active participation. The findings suggest that thoughtfully designed online instruction, supported by multimedia resources and guided by the ASSURE Model, can help address the challenges faced by Chinese students. These include language barriers, particularly in understanding spoken English, as well as adapting to student-centred learning approaches. This study underscores the potential of integrating instructional design with multimedia tools to promote effective, inclusive, and engaging online learning experiences for international students.