Online Instructional Methods

Common Definitions

In order to ensure that instructional methods are being used consistently across campus, below are definitions of the types and a flow chart to assist you in correctly assigning the proper delivery method to your course(s).

IN-PERSON METHODS

  • Applied Skills/Studio/Practicum (AP)
  • Cooperative Education (CO)
  • Colloquium (CQ)
  • Discussion (No Credit) (DI)
  • Elective Activities (ELA)
  • Ensemble (EN)
  • Examination (EX)
  • Flight Instruction - AVN Program (FLY)
  • Field Work (FW)
  • Group Conference (GC)
  • Internship (IN)
  • Independent Research (IR)
  • Individual Study (IS)
  • Lab (No Credit) (LA)
  • Lecture (LE)
  • Lecture2 - Different Meeting Spaces (LE2)
  • Lecture-Lab (Credit) (LL)
  • Plenary (PL)
  • Practicum (PR)
  • Partial Term: 4-7 Weeks (PT)
  • Pre-Masters Thesis (PTH)
  • Off-Campus Study (SA)
  • Seminar (SE)
  • Studio/Applied Skills (ST)
  • Symposium (SY)
  • Masters Thesis (TH)
  • Workshop (WK)
  • Externship (XT)

ONLINE METHODS

Asynchronous Online (OL)

Asynchronous Online courses are taught exclusively online and require no live class sessions. These do not take place in a classroom with students physically present. Students can consume content and complete assessments without scheduled sessions. 

Synchronous Online (OS)

Synchronous Online courses are taught exclusively online at a scheduled time. Students are not physically present, but virtually present. Students are required to attend sessions that would match regular class time. An assigned time on the schedule of classes is required to avoid impeding on other synchronous or face-to-face courses and exams.

Online Hybrid (OH)

Hybrid classes are a combination of both synchronized online sessions and asynchronous online instructional methods. The identifying difference between this method and the synchronous online method is a reduced, or infrequent, occurrence of synchronous sessions. An assigned time on the schedule of classes is required to avoid impeding upon other courses.

Mixed Hybrid (HY)

Mixed Hybrid classes are a combination of both online sessions (synchronous and/or asynchronous) and face-to-face meetings in a physical space. An assigned time and classroom on the schedule of classes are required to avoid impeding on synchronous or face-to-face courses and exams.

Live-Stream (LIV)

Live-streamed courses are synchronously delivered to distance students and a group of students who are physically present. An assigned time and classroom on the schedule of classes are required to avoid impeding on synchronous or face-to-face courses and exams.

  • MBA Live and Nursing Live, along with some others, take place in specially built distance learning rooms (currently: VUCA 1412, URH 120, LBN 105, and LBN 15). This method is used when Information Technology will work with the faculty members to get course links setup in Blackboard and a student tech will be provided to run the equipment.  


  • Other variations may occur, but IT should be consulted to be sure that personnel, scheduling, and/or equipment considerations are available. VITAL can provide consultation in congruence with IT allocations/availability. 

ONLINE TEACHING MATRIX

The matrix below provides visual clarification of the definitions given above.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHOD

Physical Space Required

Assigned Times Required

Students In-Person

Students at a Distance, synchronously

Synchronous Online (OS)

Asynchronous Online (OL)

Mixed Hybrid (HY)

Online Hybrid (OH)

Livestream (LIV)

YES             Sometimes/Maybe          NO

FLOWCHART OF ONLINE METHODS

The flowchart below will assist you in selecting the appropriate online instructional method for your course(s).


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