Course Formats

Course formats, aka course modalities, refer to different ways courses are delivered to students in higher education institutions. These modes define how students interact with course materials, instructors, and classmates. Course formats exist on a spectrum that ranges from entirely face-to-face to entirely online. Some common formats include traditional face-to-face, hybrid or blended, hy-flex, and online. In each of these formats, nuance, and variation exist relative to the format, often at the discretion of the course instructor or program design. For instance, traditional face-to-face courses might involve supplemental or web-enhanced instruction or intensive/residency experiences, and online courses might involve entirely asynchronous instruction, entirely synchronous instruction, or combinations of both. These various course formats and their nuanced variations cater to different learning preferences, schedules, and circumstances, offering students a range of options to engage in their educational journey.

Face-to-Face Teaching

Face-to-Face (F2F) teaching, or in-person instruction, is the traditional mode of course delivery where students attend classes on campus in a physical classroom setting. Professors deliver lectures, facilitate discussions, and conduct in-person activities. This mode offers direct interaction with instructors and classmates.

Hybrid Teaching

Hybrid teaching, or blended instruction, combine both face-to-face and online elements. Students attend some classes on campus while completing the rest of the coursework online. This mode allows for a balance between in-person interactions and the flexibility of online learning.

HyFlex Teaching

HyFlex (Hybrid-Flexible) is a more flexible approach that allows students to choose their preferred mode of participation for each class session. In a HyFlex course, students have the option to attend the class either in person or online, depending on their needs, preferences, or circumstances. The instructor simultaneously delivers the class to both the in-person students and the remote students using technology such as video conferencing or live streaming. This enables students to switch between attending classes physically and accessing the same content remotely.

Online Teaching

Online teaching is delivered entirely over the Internet. Students access course materials, lectures, and assignments, and participate in discussions through a virtual learning platform. Online courses offer flexibility in terms of time and location, allowing students to access materials at their convenience.

Course Evaluation

Course evaluation refers to the process of collecting feedback and data from students about their learning experiences, satisfaction with the course, and their perceptions of the instructor's teaching effectiveness. It provides valuable insights into the overall quality of the course, identifies areas for improvement, and helps instructors make informed decisions about instructional design and delivery. Course evaluations often involve standardized surveys or questionnaires administered to students at the beginning, middle, and/or end of a course.

 

Course Evaluation

Course evaluation provides valuable feedback to improve instructional practices and enhance student satisfaction.