Course Definitions FAQ
Course Definition FAQ's
What do the labels mean?
If your course is listed as an Online course (an I in the schedule, then all of the course content is delivered online, Course orientation, assignments, presentations, learning activities, interactive quizzes, and tests are online. Instructors use e-mail, homepages, and course management tools. Online courses require students to have access to a computer. Additionally students may be required to have access to a web browser and purchase software. (100% online) A Video course (V, in the schedule) runs the same way, but class content is delivered via DVD or videotape.
If it is labeled as Blended Online Course,(BL, in the schedule then the majority of the course content is delivered via the Internet. However, blended learning courses require on-campus sessions for orientations, presentations, exams, labs, and/or other assessment activities with an instructor or in a proctored setting. The number of face-to-face sessions will vary depending on course requirements. Blended online courses require students to have access to a computer. Additionally students may be required to have access to a web browser and purchase software. (Majority of content delivered online with required face-to-face meetings)
A Hybrid course ( HYB, in the schedule) combines both face-to-face classroom instruction and online internet-based learning. 50% of the time is in the classroom and 50% of the time students work independently on their own computers. For example, in courses where students typically meet face-to-face two days a week, hybrid courses may meet in the classroom once a week and the remaining course time is spent in an online classroom environment. Hybrid courses require students to have access to a computer. (50% online, 50% face-to-face)
Why are these labeled this way?
To better serve you, the student, it is very important to provide accurate information about the course you take as you are planning out your busy schedule. Since some of what we used to consider DL courses actually require one or more campus visits for orientation, assessment or other activities it is vital that we inform anyone who cannot be on campus because of time, location, or other circumstances that make a campus visit at a specific time impossible. It is also important to inform you of what a Hybrid course means and how that impacts your access to campus as specific times.
My course instructions mention an orientation.What if I cannot make it to my class orientation?
It is important to contact your instructor early on (before class begins, if possible) if you cannot attend a scheduled orientation. Many Instructors offer alternatives, but you need to look into that as early as possible. From the Distance Leaning Homepage, you can access the instructors email address by just clicking on the name in the course listings.
If I can't make it to campus for one of my hybrid class in-class sessions, can I just complete the work online?
In-class sessions for Hybrid courses are treated just like a standard class in terms of attendance. You will be marked absent for any missed sessions. Communicate with your instructor beforehand if you know something will prevent you from being at any in-class sessions.Any options to make-up or complete work online, is up to the instructor of that course. BUT, there is no option to take a Hybrid class and simply do all the work online.
I registered for a Blended Learning course. How often will I have to be on campus?
Check the course instructions for information about this and e-mail the instructor beforehand if you need additional information. For some courses, it's just an orientation session. Others may require you to visit campus several times a term for assessment or lab sessions.
