Terms and Examples
| Terms | Meaning | Examples | |
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Synchronous | Synchronous courses meet at a specified time and work is done together with instructors and students. This is usually a synchronous weekly meeting. | Class meets every Wednesday at 11:30 AM. |
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Asynchronous | Asynchronous courses have content available online in the Learning Management System and students can access it at their own time. Content may be released on a weekly basis, but students are not expected to complete it at a specified time. | Class does not meet at a specified time. |
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LMS Learning Management System |
The learning management system is the space where all online content is shared with students. Students will log into the LMS to view their weekly content , activities, and assessments as well as view their grades and feedback. | Blackboard, D2L, Canvas, Moodle |
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Web Conferencing Tools | Web Conferencing tools students and instructors to connect through video and audio on the internet. | Zoom, Teams, Skype |
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Video Repository | Video repositories are a collection of course videos stored and organized for easy access and management on a cloud-based system with data stored on Canadian soil. | Kaltura, LMS specific options |
| Course Designations | Meaning | UFV’s Definition | |
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TRD “Traditional” Face-to-Face Learning |
Traditional face-to-face meetings are in-person courses that may require access to the Learning Management System however the course meets regularly in person. | UFV defines Face-to-face learning (TRD) as: A course, that is delivered in a classroom, studio, shop, or lab setting, requiring a student’s presence on a campus. Some online access to UFV’s learning management system (myClass) may be required. Meeting Times: The dates, days and meeting times of classes will be clearly listed in the schedule of classes. |
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HYB “Hybrid” Blended Learning |
Hybrid courses involve a mix of synchronous in-person and synchronous or asynchronous online activities. This can mean that you have 30% online and 70% in-person, 70% online and 30% in-person or 50% for each. UFV has not defined a ratio as of yet. As Teaching and Learning specialists we know there is no perfect mix. Regardless of the mix, remember that some content is better delivered in a certain mode. For example in CIS rebuilding a computer is best suited for in-person environment, but working together on a live document synchronously may be more suited for an online environment. As disciplinary experts the ration of hybrid courses should be a discussion within departments |
UFV defines Blended Learning as: A course delivered using a mix of in-person and online learning activities; online learning may be synchronous or asynchronous. Meeting Times: The dates, days and meeting times of in-person classes and scheduled online learning activities will be clearly listed in the schedule of classes. This will require access to a reliable internet connection, a computer and, for some courses, web camera with microphone. |
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HYX “Hyflex” Hyflex Learning |
Hyflex courses are offered through both online and in-person synchronously. Hyflex content is designed in a manor that allows students to choose to attend classes in-person or online throughout the semester. | UFV defines Hyflex Learning as: During a course, students can choose to attend sessions in the classroom, participate online, or do both, depending on student need or preference. The flexibility enables students to change their mode of attendance weekly or by topic. |
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OLO “Online Only” Online Asynchronous Learning |
Online only courses are asynchronous and are delivered through the Learning Management System. The course content is available for students to complete on their own time without having to meet synchronously throughout the semester. This method has no synchronous activities for students other than exams which can be in-person. | UFV defines OLO Asynchronous Learning as: A course that is delivered through remote means . Students will be required to have access to a computer and a reliable internet connection to obtain and download course materials as well as to submit assignments and take tests and exams (in-person exams required for some courses). Meeting times: There are no scheduled meeting times for asynchronous (OLO) classes. Note: May require access to a device with microphone and/or camera for group or collaborative work. Attention: Attendance at in-person exams may be required for OLO courses. |
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OLM “Online with Meetings” Online Synchronous Learning |
Online with meeting courses are similar to face-to-face courses with the exception that they are only offered online synchronously via a web conferencing tool through the Learning Management System. | UFV defines OLM Synchronous Learning as: A course that is delivered through remote means , but includes regularly scheduled online classes, often requiring a video connection with the instructor and class through web conferencing tools. Students will be required to have access to a computer with a web camera with microphone and a reliable internet connection to participate in the class, obtain and download materials, as well as to submit assignments and take tests and exams (in-person exams required for some courses). Meeting times: Dates, days and times of scheduled on-line learning activities will be clearly listed in the schedule of classes. Attention: Attendance at in-person exams may be required for OLM courses. |
These definitions are
