Class Formats

Class Formats

This table describes some of the class formats that you may encounter in your courses. In the course descriptions below, we indicate what format each HNRS class will take. Keep in mind that within each category, there will be considerable variation. Your professors will reach out closer to the beginning of the semester to fill you in on all of the details for their individual class.

Format

Description

Online asynchronous     

Learn in Place: Online, On Your Own Time

While many classes will have a synchronous component, some fully online classes have no designated meeting time. In these, expect to do keep up with a weekly or even daily schedule, but you will be able to determine when to do the work.

Online synchronous   

Learn in Place: Online, Live-Streamed

Many online classes benefit by having times when you can meet for live discussion, activities, or events. This generally will require that you have a good internet connection, a working webcam, and a working microphone. You'll need to be available for meetings during the designated class time.

Online semi-synchronous 

Learn in Place: Online, Partially Live-streamed and Partially On Your Own Time    

Many online classes benefit by having times when you can meet for live discussion, activities, or events. This generally will require that you have a good internet connection, a working webcam, and a working microphone. You'll need to be available for meetings during the designated class time, but in some classes, you may not have have a synchronous meeting during each scheduled time. In the semi-synchronous classes, you will have a designated meeting time, but it will be less than in an ordinary class. Consequently, in addition to your ordinary homework assignments, you will have additional work that you need to do between class meetings.

Hybrid

Learn on Campus: In-Person and Online

Hybrid classes meet face-to-face less often or for shorter class periods and supplement this with online learning. The online component of the class may be synchronous or asynchronous. Your professor can fill you in about details: you'll just need to make sure you are available for the designated class time. Some of these classes will hold the online component asynchronously (on your own time) and some will hold component synchronously (live-streamed)

Face-to-Face

Learn on Campus: In-Person

Classes meet on campuses on the days, times, and locations listed on your class schedule. You will be expected to follow physical distancing and mask-wearing guidelines. While no Honors College classes are scheduled in this format, you may have some other classes meeting Face-to-Face.

Blended

Learn on Campus or Learn in Place

Some classes may include synchronous online students and face-to-face students in the same section. They may work independently from each other or be expected to collaborate in class using videoconferencing software. This is an uncommon class format.