ℹ️ Course Delivery Modality Definitions

Best practice in pedagogy has developed a wide range of course delivery options. At one end of the continuum is a fully online course and at the other end is a fully in-person course with a variety of options in between.

Fully Online Course – All online course activity is delivered via the University’s Learning Management System (D2L Brightspace); there are no required in-person or on-campus activities.
Fully online courses eliminate geography as a factor in the relationship between the student and the institution. They consist entirely of online elements that facilitate the three critical student interactions with content, the instructor, and other students. While these courses may appeal to on-campus students, they are designed to meet the needs of students who do not have effective access to campus. Students may reside near the campus or they may reside in other states or countries.  

1. Completely Online Asynchronous Course – In a completely online asynchronous course, students participate in learning activities at a time and on a schedule that is unique and best suited to them. All learning activities are online; there are no in-person meetings/exams and no synchronous online meetings/exams. Media code 12.
2. Completely Online Synchronous or Synchronous/Asynchronous Mixed Course - In a completely online synchronous course, students participate in online learning activities at a scheduled time and on a scheduled date. In a synchronous/asynchronous mixed course, students participate in learning activities both synchronously and asynchronously. All learning activities are online; there are no in-person meetings or exams. Meetings and exams are determined by the instructor and may be either synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous meeting/exam dates and times are often documented in ISRS (registration system) and in the syllabus. Media code 13.  

Hybrid Course – Course activity is both online and in-person.
In a hybrid course, online learning activities are used to supplant some, but not all, in-person instruction. Typically, 25% - 75% of a hybrid course is online with the balance of the course being in-person. The in-person component of hybrid courses may include small group meetings (flipped classrooms), laboratory/experiential learning activities, studio work, and individual or small group student performance activities. Meetings/exams are determined by the instructor and may be online (either synchronous (scheduled) or asynchronous) or in-person. In-person and synchronous online meeting/exam dates and times are documented in ISRS (registration system) and in the syllabus. Media code 9.

Flexible Course (formerly “Hyflex”) – Course activity is both online and in-person, at the same time, offering students flexibility with their learning.
In a Flexible Course, all learning activities are delivered via asynchronous online, synchronous online, and in-person within a single course section. With faculty consultation, a student may choose which mode of learning works best for their circumstance. Although there are asynchronous learning activities, the course is not self-paced. Meetings are online (both synchronous (live as scheduled) and asynchronous) and in-person. 100% credit hours are scheduled with meeting dates and times in-person and synchronous meeting/exam dates and times are scheduled through Records and Registration and appear in the university schedule and in the syllabus. All online course activity is delivered via the University’s Learning Management System (D2L Brightspace); in-person or on-campus activities are not required.  Media code 14.

The variety of Flexible courses must be determined before the course is entered into the schedule. Flexible contains three varieties:

1. Flexible Synchronous (HYFS): Allows two modalities: In-person and online synchronous. Live participation in assignments, activities, and assessments may be required. Students choose which modality to participate in daily.
2. Flexible Asynchronous (HYFA): Allows two modalities: In-person and online asynchronous. Live and asynchronous options for participation in assignments, activities, and assessments must be available. Students choose which modality to participate in daily.  
3. Flexible Trimodal (HYFT): Allows three modalities: in-person and online synchronous and online asynchronous. Live and asynchronous options for participation in assignments, activities, and assessments must be available. Students choose which modality to participate in daily.

Fully In-Person Course – Course activity is organized around scheduled in-person meetings.
In a fully in-person course, learning activities are experienced in-person. The activities may take place in varied venues including a classroom, laboratory, studio, or in the field. Meeting/exam dates and times are often scheduled in ISRS (registration system) and in the syllabus. Media code 0.

Note: Deans have taken student needs, pedagogical best practices, and the It’s Time strategy into consideration when determining course modalities. We have committed to both prospective and returning students we are offering the full Husky experience which is grounded in building relationships and learning partnerships on campus.  Any change in course modality must be approved by the Dean.