Types of Classes at MATC
MATC is committed to providing students with types of classes — formally called “instructional modalities” — that best meet their individual needs, while maintaining high quality standards in all courses.
An instructional modality reflects the way you attend the course such as attending in the classroom, fully online, or a combination of in-person and online for more flexibility. The instructional modalities identified on this page include definitions and other information you should be aware of when considering that type of course.
Please note the definition of synchronous and asynchronous learning as it is crucial to understanding each type:
Synchronous Online Delivery - Students participate in real time via videoconferencing (i.e., Blackboard Collaborate). Students attend at the same time as their instructor and classmates from their home or other location.
Asynchronous Online Delivery - Students participate at their own time and do not participate in real-time videoconferencing. Students have the flexibility to complete coursework within a set period of time, such as weekly.
FACE TO FACE
The course section is 100% in-person, in a specific campus-classroom, during scheduled sessions. 100% of the course will be taught on campus in a designated classroom.
Benefits
- It’s a familiar setting
- Minimal technology required
Things to Consider
- Must travel to MATC campus classroom
100% Online
The course section is 100% online using Blackboard with no requirement to attend on campus. Faculty can offer live scheduled sessions, but cannot require students to attend them. For this reason, any live sessions are to be recorded and posted for students to watch.
Benefits
- A very flexible way to take a class
- You do not need to travel to class
Things to Consider
- Must be self-motivated to complete assignments on time
- Communication with the instructor and peers is online
- Must have access to internet and a computer
Live Scheduled-Online
The course section is 100% online but has required scheduled (virtual/live) sessions. Virtual dates/times will be listed in the Course Catalog. Students are required to attend the scheduled virtual sessions.
Benefits
- Offers some flexibility while also interacting with the instructor and peers virtually during specific days and times
Things to Consider
- Must be able to meet virtually during specific days and times
- You may be recorded as part of a session recording
- Must have access to internet and a computer with a web camera and microphone
Blended Learning
Course sections that combine in-person (classroom) learning with online instruction. Less than 50% of course instruction is delivered online using Blackboard and other technologies. Faculty will indicate the day(s) and time(s) students are required to attend the face-to-face sessions in the Course Catalog. Note: Both instructor and ALL students are in the classroom at the same time for the in-person scheduled times.
Benefits
- Offers flexibility while also interacting with the instructor and peers when in class
Things to Consider
- Must be able to come to campus to attend in person during specific days and times
- Must have access to internet and a computer
Hybrid Learning
Course sections that combine in-person learning with online instruction. At least 50% but less than 100% of course instruction is delivered online using Blackboard and other technologies. Faculty will indicate the day(s) and time(s) students are required to attend the in-person sessions.
Note: Both instructor and ALL students are in the classroom at the same time for the in-person scheduled times.
Benefits
- Offers flexibility while also interacting with the instructor and peers when in class
Things to Consider
- Must be able to come to campus to attend in person during specific days and times
- Must have access to internet and a computer
HYFLEX
A “hybrid flexible” course design model that combines in-person learning with online learning options. Instructors tailor course content for each format. Students have the option to “flex” their course to fit their needs by choosing in-person, online or live-online attendance on a day-to-day basis. Faculty deliver instruction 100% in-person and indicate days/times and location in the Course Catalog. Class sessions must be held in a room equipped with a camera and audio capability (wall/ceiling mounted preferred over webcams).
Benefits
- Offers a high degree of flexibility
- Unlikely you will fall behind because you can opt to attend online asynchronously
Things to Consider
- Although very flexible, choose the way you learn best
- You will likely be recorded as part of a session recording
- Must have access to internet and a computer with a web camera and microphone if attending online
* Note definitions above for synchronous and asynchronous.