Hybrid (HY), Distance Enhanced (DH), and Distance Learning (DL) courses all leverage technology to deliver formalized instruction. A key decision for instructors is to determine whether students will be required to attend the virtual component of the course at a specific time (synchronously) or at a time of their own choosing (asynchronously) when not meeting in-person. Instructors can find delivery mode planning strategies in the Teaching and Learning Resource Center.
It is critical instructors convey any synchronous virtual attendance expectations for the term—whether for one session (such as a final assessment), for a few sessions or repeated sessions—to course schedulers, the Registrar’s Office, advisors, and most importantly, to students.
Indicating all synchronous attendance requirements, both in-person and virtual, in the Student Information System helps students plan their schedules and affords advisors the opportunity to support student success and guide both students and instructors toward resources for navigating a multi-modal learning and teaching experience. Read more about synchronous and asynchronous learning.
For more information on Ohio State's class labels, view the University Registrar's Job Aid for Class Labels.
Mode of delivery | % virtual Instruction | Student Attends in-Person | Scheduling considerations for student and instructor success | On-Campus Fees Assessed?* |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hybrid (HY) | 25-74% | Consistent cadence throughout the term | 1. Specific time, day, and campus location for in-person instruction 2a. Specific time (typically the same as in-person meetings), day, and online "location" for real-time (synchronous) virtual instruction or 2b. No specific time, day, or location necessary for virtual instruction if occurring on students' own schedule (asynchronous) | Yes |
Distance-Enhanced (DH) | 75-99% | A few, limited times per term | 1. Specific time, day, and campus location for in-person instruction 2a. Specific time (typically the same as in-person meetings), day , and online "location" for real-time (synchronous) virtual instruction or 2b. No specific time, day, or location necessary for virtual instruction if occurring on students' own schedule (asynchronous) | Yes |
Distance Learning (DL) | 100% | Never | 1. Specific time, day, and online "location" for real-time virtual instruction (synchronous) or 2. No specific time, day, or location necessary if all virtual instruction is occurring on students' own schedule each week (asynchronous) | No** |
*Applies to students enrolled in a campus-based program as their primary Career Program Plan
**When all student's schedule has all DL courses, distance education fees and surcharges will be assessed, regardless of campus.
Create new course sections for each delivery mode intended to be offered for the term. For example, if some students attend entirely online, while others attend in-person, students should enroll in whichever mode—either distance learning (DL) or in-person (P)—reflects their actual participation. An instructor may be assigned to two sections during the same day and time; however, a course section for a particular delivery mode should not be created solely for one-off accommodations. Work with Student Life Disability Services for particular student accommodations.
In a Hybrid course, 25% to 74% of formalized instruction for each student is provided through distance learning. The remainder of formalized instruction is provided through required on-campus attendance.
In a Distance Enhanced course, 75% to 99% of formalized instruction is provided through distance learning. The remainder of formalized instruction is provided through required on-campus attendance.
In a Distance Learning course, 100% of formalized instruction occurs via distance learning with no required in-person components and no specified days or times for formalized instruction.
If you're still not sure what mode and course details are appropriate for a given course, contact your college or campus associate dean for curriculum or the person responsible for entering your course information into the Student Information System.