Teaching in Specific Modalities
Online teaching modalities refer to the formats and methods through which education is delivered online. Continuum recognizes that online learning is not one size fits all, and offers certificate programs in three different online formats or modalities: Online Asynchronous, Online Synchronous, and Hybrid (in-person and online students meeting together synchronously). Some elements of online course content (digital assignments, discussion boards, archived course lectures and learning material such as video and readings) are beneficial for in-person students.
You will adapt your teaching practices based on the format of the course. In the drop down menus below, find descriptions of each modality.
The Online Asynchronous format has no classroom component. All content, interaction, and assessment takes place in the online course environment. While there are not regularly scheduled required synchronous class meetings, students move through the course with the same group of students and benefit from the cohort experience. Students are expected to stay on track with weekly assignments and may be asked to schedule occasional, brief synchronous one-on-one meetings with the instructors.
In the asynchronous format, using inclusive teaching practices and designing though the lens of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) will increase a sense of belonging and community that is crucial for student success in online courses – especially asynchronous learning.
In Online Synchronous courses, students and instructors interact online through live, regularly scheduled meetings using applications such as Zoom. Students should also expect to interact with others and engage in course materials asynchronously.
A hybrid class has both in-person and online components. All students attend classroom sessions and also complete a significant proportion of coursework online, outside of the classroom.
This modality is the traditional classroom model, using Canvas for announcements, homework submission, and grading. Most, if not all, content delivery and interaction take place in-person. In-Person classes still benefit from well-organized content on Canvas.
Active Learning Tips:
This handy chart outlines some common teaching goals and the face-to-face (F2F) active learning techniques often used to achieve those goals, along with corresponding approaches for online synchronous, online asynchronous, and physically-distanced settings.
Updated 08/26/2024