Course Formats

Also referred to as course modes or course modalities, course formats refer to different frameworks for when, where, and how learning and interaction can take place in a course. Continuum programs use some distinct terms to refer to some of their program formats.

For those teaching with UW outside of Continuum College, please see the list of Course Modes from the Office of the University Registrar.

For Professional and Continuing Education programs, please visit the PCE resource for Learning Formats.

Synchronous/Real-Time Online (RTOL)

Online format classes with real-time meetings (RTOL courses) where students participate in synchronous classroom sessions via Zoom at a scheduled time. Students move through the fully online course content on the same timeline and meeting the same due dates.

More information and resources on RTOL courses

Asynchronous/Group-Paced Online (GPOL)

In online group-paced courses, students move through the fully online content on the same timeline and meeting the same due dates. Typically, students don’t have to participate in scheduled meetings; however, some group-paced programs do have required real-time meetings.

Classroom

A traditional in-person model with most content sharing and interaction taking place in person. Canvas LMS and other learning technologies support students’ in-person experience by enabling announcements, content sharing, homework submission, and grading.

Hybrid/Blended

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. Tasks that are best for in-person class sessions include group activities, deep conversation, simulations and role-plays. Tasks best delegated to the online environment include lectures, peer review of work, and quizzes.

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Updated 06/27/23