At UMPI, we work hard to meet the diverse needs of a diverse student population. In any given semester, we deliver high-quality classes to traditional-aged students, high school students, non-traditional students, adult learners with some college credit, and more–we deliver these educational opportunities through traditional, live F2F classes, through classrooms connected through Zoom, through the live, remote course, online and more! We also host an impressive array of early-college/dual-enrollment courses and deliver self-paced CBE programming. Those are a lot of ways to engage in learning!
Modalities Defined
When courses in the University System are available for students to sign up for, there is a shared definition of what the different delivery modalities are, and what students can expect from choosing a specific modality. This page will walk you through the LMS-design expectations for developing and delivering a course with student success and expectations in mind.
Course Modality
Mode Code
Definition
Design Considerations
Entirely online.
All classes are fully online with no scheduled online meetings.
Online
(WW)
A course section where 100% of course activity and class meetings are completed asynchronously (i.e., not in real time) online with no required online meeting times.
- Syllabus posted on the Syllabus page
- Contact information updated
- Timely feedback & Grades access
- Communication/guide to how course site will be used for learning is present
- Content modules used for content delivery
- There are no synchronous meeting expectations
- Course activities allow for active and peer interaction
Entirely online.
Classes are fully online with required online meeting times for all or part of the course.
Distance Synchronous Learning
(DS)
These classes never meet in person. The course is taught online, and the instructor is expected to deliver instruction synchronously (i.e., in real time) at the times for which the class is scheduled.
- Syllabus posted on the Syllabus page
- Contact information updated
- Timely feedback & Grades access
- Communication/guide to how course site will be used for learning is present
- Content modules used for content delivery
- Class Zoom link is accessible on the course site
Both online & in-person.
There is a mix of in-person scheduled class meetings and online components.
Hybrid/Blended
(HB)
These classes have both in-person and online components. The dates/times of in-person meetings are scheduled.
- Syllabus posted on the Syllabus page
- Contact information updated
- Timely feedback & Grades access
- Communication/guide to how course site will be used for learning is present
- Content modules used for content delivery
Both online & in-person.
There is flexibility for students to attend required class meetings in-person, or via live video or audio.
Hyflex
(HF)
A single course section with the option to attend on-site, attend via video or audio technology during class meeting times, or in combination of the two.
- Syllabus posted on the Syllabus page
- Contact information updated
- Timely feedback & Grades access
- Communication/guide to how course site will be used for learning is present
- Content modules used for content delivery
- Class Zoom link is accessible on the course site
- All in-class activities/assessments are accessible on the course site, for asynchronous access
Both online & in-person.
Students attendance requirements are split between required online and in-person meeting times.
Split Delivery
(SD)
These classes will meet during all scheduled class times. However, groups of students in the class will alternate in-person and virtual attendance as designated by the instructor to maintain reduced density in classrooms (i.e., platoon system).
- Syllabus posted on the Syllabus page
- Contact information updated
- Timely feedback & Grades access
- Communication/guide to how course site will be used for learning is present
- Content modules used for content delivery
- Class Zoom link is accessible on the course site
- All in-class activities/assessments are accessible on the course site, for asynchronous access
In-person, off-site.
This is a clinical or field placement, an internship, independent study, or research hours.
By Arrangement
(AR)
These courses are meant for clinical placements, field placements, independent study, internships, and research hours. They do not require a classroom or meeting time but are considered to be in person, with location and time arranged by the instructor or supervisor.
- Syllabus posted on the Syllabus page
- Contact information updated
- Timely feedback & Grades access
- Communication/guide to how course site will be used for learning is present
In-person, off-site.
This is a Service Learning course.
Service Learning
(SL)
Instruction time and locations are to be determined by the instructor.
- Syllabus posted on the Syllabus page
- Contact information updated
- Timely feedback & Grades access
- Communication/guide to how course site will be used for learning is present
In-person, in a classroom.
All or the majority of required class meetings happen in-person, and in a classroom.
In-Person
(P)
The course is taught fully face-to-face in a classroom at scheduled meeting times.
- Syllabus posted on the Syllabus page
- Contact information updated
- Timely feedback & Grades access
YourPace.
All instructional materials and assessments are available at the outset of the session for students to work through at their own pace.
Competency-Based
(CBE)
Instruction is asynchronous online, and not structured by weeks or semesters, but by course competencies or outcomes completed during a subscription session.
- Course is developed to YourPace/CBE standards
- Pre-session course prep is completed
- There are no synchronous meeting expectations
- Rich and varied instructor interaction and mentorship through feedback is expected
Prepare for the Course Modality
Getting Zoom Ready
Orient yourself with Zoom features, for lecture recording, or teaching Distance Synchronous or Hyflex courses. Remember that clarity and consistency are key to a successful semester for you and your students:
Getting Ready for Online or Blended Courses
If you are teaching fully Online, or in a Blended/Hybrid modality, becoming familiar with Brightspace is a must. Here are some resources that can help you think about tools and strategies to engage and more: