Instruction Modes

There are various ways to take classes. These are referred to as modalities or modes of instruction. When viewing the class schedule, look for the Instruction Mode column, which now includes new, more precise names for each type of class mode.

Course Modes

The way a to take a class is called its course mode. This determines how students interact with instructors and engage with content during the learning experience. Different course modes offer varied ways of participating in the class.

Online Scheduled

You will meet on Zoom with faculty and other students. Work required for this course will be posted on Canvas. Your instructor may schedule an optional in-person meeting. (This meeting also meets ISP visa requirements.)

Example: You will log into a video call every weekday at 8:00 a.m. for a class. You may come to campus at the beginning of your class to pick up materials.

Online Scheduled with In-Person

You will meet on Zoom with faculty and other students. Work required for this course will be posted on Canvas. You will need to come to campus up to 5 times. See the schedule for specific times.

Example: You will meet online for a class every day at 8 a.m. You will also plan to visit campus up to five times for lab work on campus, midterms or finals.

Online Asynchronous

There are no required meeting times or in-person meetings, but there are regular due dates. Work required for this course will be posted on Canvas. Your instructor may schedule one optional meeting.

Example: You will do all your learning online, on your schedule. You have assignments with due dates. All your course materials are found in Canvas. 

Online Asynchronous with In-Person

Similar to Online Asynchronous. Work required for this course will be posted on Canvas. There are regular due dates for your work. You will need to come to campus up to 5 times. See the schedule for specific times.

Example: All learning is on your time, but plan on being on campus up to five times for big tests or to get and return course materials.

In-Person

You will meet with your instructor and other students in a classroom at scheduled times.

Example: Every Thursday evening, you learn face-to-face in class from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.

In-Person (Web Enhanced)

You will meet with the instructor and other students in a classroom at scheduled times. Some content and activities will be posted on Canvas.

Example: You will have class on campus every Wednesday from 5:00 to 8 p.m. Some of your materials or activities will be found in a Canvas module online.

Hybrid

You will meet with your instructor and other students in a classroom at scheduled times. There are fewer meetings than in-person classes. You should expect more required work on Canvas than in-person classes.

Example: Every Thursday evening, you learn face-to-face in class from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. The remaining of your work is online in Canvas. Your quizzes and assignments are completed online in Canvas. 

Flexible

You can choose how to participate in the class. You might be able to come to in-person meetings, meet on Zoom, or complete your work online without scheduled meetings. Check the class notes for details.

Example: You can do all your learning online, on your own schedule. Your instructor has a few special sessions you can join but are not required. All the details are in your class notes which are in the class schedule on ctcLink. 

Individualized Instruction

Contact Instructor.

Example: An instructor is providing instruction to you for a course that is not scheduled this quarter. You are planning to graduate in the spring but the course was not going to be offered in time. 

Other

Contact Instructor.

What is the difference between synchronous and asynchronous classes?

Synchronous classes require you to participate in real time, which means you’ll need to be present at specific times. Asynchronous classes offer more flexibility. You can access the course materials and complete assignments at flexible times. There are no required meeting times or in-person meetings, but you do have to meet regular deadlines.

What is Canvas?

Canvas is a web-based learning management system. It is used by instructors and students to access and manage online course learning materials.

Course Instruction Modes in ctcLink

Use the table below to explore options and choose the best course mode for you.

 

Instruction Mode	In-person classroom  attendance	Scheduled online attendance	Content and activities on Canvas	What is the class like? *
Online Scheduled	No	Yes	Yes	You will meet on Zoom with faculty and other students. Work required for this course will be posted on Canvas. Your instructor may schedule an optional in- person meeting. (This meeting also meets ISP visa requirements.)
Online Scheduled w/In-Person	Yes	Yes	Yes	You will meet on Zoom with faculty and other students. Work required for this course will be posted on Canvas. You will need to come to campus up to 5 times. See the schedule for specific times.
Online Asynchronous	No	No	Yes	There are no required meeting times or in-person meetings, but there are regular due dates. Work required for this course will be posted on Canvas. Your instructor may schedule one optional meeting. (This meeting also meets ISP visa requirements.)
Online Asynchronous w/In-Person	Yes	No	Yes	Work required for this course will be posted on Canvas. There are regular due dates for your work. You will need to come to campus up to 5 times. See the schedule for specific times.
In Person	Yes	No	No	You will meet with faculty and other students in a classroom at scheduled times.
In-Person (Web Enhanced)	Yes	No	Yes	You will meet with faculty and other students in a classroom at scheduled times. Some content and activities will be posted on Canvas.
Hybrid	Yes	Maybe	Yes	You will meet with faculty and other students in a classroom at scheduled times. There are fewer meetings than in-person classes. You should expect more required work on Canvas than in person classes.
Flexible	Maybe	Maybe	Yes	You can choose how to participate in the class. You might be able to come to in-person meetings, meet on Zoom, or complete your work online without scheduled meetings. Check the class notes** for details.
Individualized Instruction	Maybe	Maybe	Maybe	Contact Instructor
Other	Maybe	Maybe	Maybe	Contact Instructor

 * Specific requirements will vary by class. Check the Class Notes in ctcLink and contact the instructor.
** Class notes are available in the class schedule on ctcLink. Go to the class you are planning to take and view the details of that class.