Course Modality

Definitions:

Direct-Instruction

A course that involves individualized direct supervision or guidance, typically with no classroom instruction. The schedule is worked out with the supervising instructor or researcher and may be in person, online or some combination of modalities. Details should be established through conversation with the supervising instructor or researcher before registration. Not required to take place on a specific day and time.

This modality can be used for dissertations, thesis, independent studies, voice class, etc.

Hybrid

A course modality where ideally 50% of the instructional meeting contact hours take place virtually. For example, if a class is scheduled to meet twice a week for the semester (i.e., 32 instructional sessions not counting finals), then 16 of those instructional sessions take place in-person (instructors of record do have flexibility with the 50% formula and are encouraged to make the class schedule available for their students). Part of the instructional time is completed by the instructor and students physically sharing the same physical space/location at the same time. The remainder of the course time is completed in a virtual/remote environment (i.e, learning management system, web conferencing tool, etc.). These sessions are required to take place on a specific day and time.

Hy-Flex

A course modality where instructional delivery and learning facilitation can integrate in-person instruction, online synchronous video sessions, and/or asynchronous content delivery. Students are expected to be able to fully engage in the class session regardless of their location. ​ 

Please note: Being on camera is required for all participants in this learning modality, whether you are participating in-person or virtually. 

In-Person

A course modality that meets entirely in-person; may utilize the Learning Management System and other digital learning tools to enhance the learning experience.

In-person courses are your prototypical didactic lecture or seminar course, where students and instructors meet in a designated location on a set schedule. Most of the learning happens synchronously during the class session. Students have little flexibility as the course is designed for learners and instructors to be together at the same time and place. 

In-person courses must meet 1-3 times per week on campus at particular days and times. 

Students will complete regular reading and homework outside of class, but class activities and instructional support primarily happen in the classroom. Due dates can be expected several times each week, many of which correspond with class meeting days. 

Students must be able to attend the in-person instructional sessions.

Online

At Howard University, a course designated as an official online course must undergo a Learning Design and Quality Assurance process and be designated an approved online course.

To initiate the previously mentioned process, email dol@howard.edu or cetlasupport@howard.edu

Instructors of Record must complete the LMS Essentials and Best Practices in Distance Learning Course.

All instruction occurs virtually/online utilizing the Learning Management System and other technological tools. There are no required in-person components.

100% of the instruction whether asynchronous or synchronous occurs online.  

Please note: This instructional modality may require students to be on camera.    

Virtual (Synchronous)

This modality meets at scheduled times via video conferencing tools, such as Zoom, MS Teams, Echo 360, etc.. The scheduled meetings cover the entirety of the required contact hours for the course and has no in-person requirement. 100% of the instructional content is delivered using digital learning tools. All aspects of the course to include instruction, assignment submission and faculty office hours, are hosted in a virtual/remote environment (i.e., learning management system). Course instruction is required to take place on a specific day and time.

Students must be able to attend and engage/interact with other students in the virtual instructional sessions just as they would for an in-person instructional session. Students will need the appropriate digital learning tools to participate in this instructional modality.

Please note: This instructional modality may require students to be on camera.