Section Modality

Modality refers to the delivery method in which a section or class is offered. It outlines how the educational content is presented to students and how they engage with it. The options outline how the instructor will present course content to students through in-person or distance education.

Instructional MethodBanner CodeDistance Ed?
FFace-to-FaceF2F
OOnlineWEBDistance Ed*
RRestricted OnlineDEOWBDistance Ed*
MMixed (Hybrid)HYBRDDistance Ed*
UUndefinedTBD
LLive StreamDEOBCDistance Ed*
AArranged (TBA)ARR
Note: All Distance Education instructional methods are defined in the Department of Education’s “Dear Colleague Letter” (DCL GEN-23-09).

Face-to-Face

Classes follow a traditional in-person format, with class meetings in physical classrooms on EWU’s campuses or sites and contact hours occurring during regular class times. Additional online components and activities for students to complete outside meeting patterns may exist.


Online

Classes are exclusive to students declared into state-supported programs.

Classes are conducted entirely through digital platforms, allowing students to participate either Asynchronously or Synchronously. The course content is delivered online, enabling students to engage with materials and interact with instructors and peers virtually. Students are not required to meet in person for any portion of the class.


Restricted Online

Classes are exclusive to students declared into self-supported programs.

Classes are conducted entirely through digital platforms, allowing students to participate either Asynchronously or Synchronously. The course content is delivered online, enabling students to engage with materials and interact with instructors and peers virtually. Students are not required to meet in person for any portion of the class.


Mixed (Hybrid)

Classes offer a combination of in-person and online interactions. In addition to physical classroom meetings, students and instructors engage through synchronous sessions or asynchronous activities online. The schedule will provide information about required in-person meetings, synchronous online meeting times, or arrangements for asynchronous activities.


Undefined

Departments and Instructors should identify modality before priority registration.

Classes will be offered, but are pending a decision from the department and instructor on the modality. Departments will need to update the class before students can register for the class. Students should contact the instructor for further details regarding the class format and requirements.


Live Stream

Class instruction occurs during regularly scheduled meetings and students are expected to attend in person at an approved EWU location different from the instructor’s location. Students receive live instruction through a video stream overseen by an EWU designee.


Arranged (TBA)

Classes using Zoom to interact with students should use an Online or Mixed modality.

Classes do not follow a traditional in-person format; they are offered without specific meeting times to create flexibility for instructors and students to meet. The modality facilitates practicum, clinical, internship, directed/independent study, and individual instruction courses where students occasionally meet with instructors to discuss their progress.


Asynchronous vs Synchronous Classes

Asynchronous Online Synchronous Online
Independent Online LearningNo Meeting Pattern Classroom is Arranged WEBScheduled Online LearningMeeting Pattern RequiredClassroom is Arranged ZOOM
Asynchronous Online: Courses prioritize asynchronous interactions, allowing students and instructors to engage with course materials and communicate without specific meeting times. There are no mandatory synchronous class meetings scheduled. Instructors may offer online office hours and additional activities, but synchronous participation is not required. Instructors are encouraged to record and post synchronous activities to ensure equal access for all students.

Synchronous Online: Courses facilitate online interactions through synchronous Zoom meetings. Attendance at these meetings is mandatory at designated times. Students should also expect to engage with course materials and interact with others asynchronously. In-person interactions cannot be mandatory, and virtual alternatives must be provided for those unable to attend in person.

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