Quick Guide to Online Class Formats

Common Online Class Formats

There are many ways to learn online, otherwise known as "remote learning," or "distance education."

According to the U.S. Department of Education Links to an external site., all online classes involve information being relayed through technology, such as discussion boards, video conferencing, and online assessments. However there are a few different tiers or formats for online classes, and the terminology can be very confusing.

Check out these common online class formats, as well as some pros/cons to keep in mind before enrolling.

Online Course descriptions on Passport Links to an external site. should indicate which format your online class will be conducted in,
however if not reach out to Admissions and Records Links to an external site. or the instructor. 

 

Format

Overview

Benefits

Potential
draw-backs

Synchronous Online Course

(100% Online  Course,
with regularly scheduled
meetings online)

 
  • Classes have regularly scheduled live online meeting times (like Zoom lectures)
  • All course material and communication is managed entirely online
  • Students get to interact with faculty in real time 
  • Content and deliverables are centralized through the LMS (Canvas) so items are easy to keep track of
  • Students learn valuable skills in technology use, online communication mediums, and time management
  • Students taking multiple courses may experience long periods of time on their device
  • Faculty and students often interact as an entire class, giving students limited time to interact with faculty  or peers 1:1
  • Technological issues have a greater impact 

Asynchronous Online Course

(100% Online  Course,
without regularly scheduled meetings online)

 
  • Classes operate without regularly scheduled live sessions
  • All course material and communication is managed entirely online
  • Students interact with faculty without as many time constraints and can thus work at their own pace (within certain parameters)
  • Content and deliverables are centralized through the LMS (Canvas) so items are easy to keep track of
  • Students learn valuable skills in technology use, online communication mediums, and time management
  • Students taking multiple courses may find it challenging to keep track of all tasks
  • Faculty and students rarely interact as an entire class, or 1:1
  • Technological issues have a greater impact 

Blended Courses

(100% Online  Course,
with sporadic meetings online)
  • Classes have some scheduled sessions online
  • Some course material and communication is managed online
  • Faculty and students experience different types of interactions
  • Faculty and students learn valuable skills in technology use, online communication mediums, and time management
  • Specific online meeting dates may not follow a patterns and thus be hard to keep track of
  • Students taking multiple courses may find it challenging to keep track of all tasks
  • Faculty and students rarely interact as an entire class, or 1:1
  • Technological barriers and equity concerns have a greater impact 

Hybrid Courses

(A mix of in person and online instruction,
with regularly scheduled meetings in one or both formats)
  • Classes have regularly scheduled live sessions in person
  • Some course material and communication is managed online
  • Students experience different types of interactions
  • Students learn valuable skills in technology use, online communication mediums, and time management
  • Content and deliverables may not be centralized, and thus students may struggle to find resources 
  • Technological issues have a greater impact 

 

Correspondence Courses

(100% remote,
with online aspects)

 

*not currently offered at PCCD

 
  • Classes are carried out through distance learning, whether that is online or with print materials that are mailed or faxed. 
  • Students interact with faculty without as many time constraints and can thus work at their own pace (within certain parameters)
  • Students may learn valuable skills in technology use, online communication mediums, and time management
  • Content and deliverables may not be centralized, and thus students may struggle to find resources 
  • Students taking multiple courses may find it challenging to keep track of all tasks
  • Faculty and students rarely interact as an entire class, or 1:1
  • Technological issues can become extra challenging

General Tips: 

No matter the format, all online classes require some technological preparation.

Before enrolling, double check that you will have daily access to:

  • internet
  • a computer or adequate mobile device with word processing software for assignments
  • a web camera
  • email

When deciding between formats, consider: 

  • your personal schedule and priorities
  • the formats of your other classes
  • other time management factors

Have limited access to technology? Peralta can help!