Understanding Course Formats (Course Modalities)

Overview

Course modality can be defined as the format, or way, a course is offered. There are multiple ways courses are offered during a semester, and it is important that students understand the way a course will meet, and the language that defines each meeting format. This module will define each course modality and the importance of understanding how the course modality will affect your academic schedule.

Understanding the Terminology

Knowing and understanding how a course will run is one of the most important things when you are building your academic schedule. Whether a course is online or important will determine how your schedule will shape up. Here are several key terms as it relates to course modality (course format):

Synchronous refers to class activities that occur in real-time. Students and instructors typically will meet at a designated time, usually in a campus classroom or a designated virtual space such as a Zoom meeting.
Asynchronous learning resources are designed to be accessed at any time, and the learning does not require people to access them at the same time. Examples include an online forum or video recording.
Online (sometimes referred to as Synchronous) learning means the learning environment is entirely online (via Canvas) and students participate remotely from various locations. Students typically attend synchronous class sessions over a video-conferencing platform like Zoom. Course materials and class management are accomplished via a learning management system like Canvas. Learning activities are usually a mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities
Hybrid usually refers to a course that is partially traditional and partially fully online, as pedagogically appropriate. Hybrid courses can also be a good fit for courses that are project-based or leverage learning communities for example.
Hybrid-flexible (Bee-Flex) or high-flexibility courses are hybrid courses designed to maximize flexibility in how students can access the course. A typical BeeFlex course might meet synchronously in-person, but give students the option of joining the session remotely. The session would also be recorded so those who could not attend can still access it. Additional asynchronous learning resources are made available that are equivalent to the activities that happened during the class session.