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 instruction, in a specific classroom, during scheduled sessions.
Benefits
- It’s a familiar setting
- Minimal technology required
Things to Consider
- Must travel to MATC campus classroom
ONLINE
The course section is 100% online and asynchronous* with no requirement to attend a virtual/live session. Faculty can offer virtual/live sessions, but cannot require students to attend them. Live sessions may 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
ONLINE - VIRTUAL
The course section is 100% online and has required synchronous* virtual/live sessions (accessed by web conferencing software such as Blackboard Collaborate). Day(s) and time(s) students are required to attend the virtual session are identified well ahead of time. Sessions may be recorded and posted for students to watch.
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
Course sections that combine online and face-to-face instruction (not including any one-time face-to-face orientation or off-line testing/evaluation). Less than 50% of course instruction is delivered synchronously* or asynchronously* online using the Internet (accessed by the student using web conferencing software - preferably Blackboard Collaborate). More than 50% of the course is taught using face-to-face instruction.
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
Course sections that combine online and face-to-face instruction (not including any one-time face-to-face orientation or off-line testing/evaluation). At least 50% but less than 100% of course instruction is delivered synchronously* or asynchronously* online using the Internet (accessed by the student using web conferencing software - preferably Blackboard Collaborate). Less than 50% of the course is taught using face-to-face instruction.
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
VIRTUAL-F2F FLEXIBLE
The course section is F2F (face to face), in a specific classroom during a scheduled session, but may be attended synchronously in “real time” by students rather than attending F2F. Class sessions are held in a room equipped with a camera and audio capability.
Benefits
- Offers flexibility while also interacting with the instructor and peers when in class
Things to Consider
- Must be able to meet virtually during specific days and times
- Must have access to internet and a computer
HYFLEX
A “hybrid flexible” course model combines face-to-face learning with synchronous* and/or asynchronous* delivery. Students have the option to “flex” their course to fit their needs by choosing in-person, online synchronous or online asynchronous attendance on a day-to-day basis. The physical classrooms are equipped with high fidelity audio and video-based hardware and software.
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.