Ivy Tech offers several methods of instruction (also known as methods of delivery or course modalities) for classes. It's important that you understand the differences between how these courses are delivered so you can choose the instructional method that is right for you and for the classes you are taking.
Traditional (Face-to-Face) Method
Course reference/abbreviation=TR
All class sessions take place on campus with the instructor through lecture-based or hands-on class activities, with supplemental course learning material provided through IvyLearn or other technology platforms.
Online Only
Course reference/abbreviation= I
No time in the traditional classroom is required. Course sessions take place online, although students may be required to take exams at an approved proctoring site (no more than two exams for program-level courses and no more than four exams for academic skills advancement classes).
Most online course activities are asynchronous, although the course could involve scheduled activities such as online office hours, chats, or other “real-time” presentations. These activities must be posted on the class schedule at the start of the class and should be optional. If a synchronous activity is assessed as a part of the grade of the course, an alternate asynchronous activity must be available if a synchronous activity is required.
Blended
Course reference/abbreviation= BT
Blended courses are a combination of traditional instruction with the addition of online and/or virtual instruction methods. For a course to be identified as a blended course for purposes of counting enrollments, no less than 1/3 of the contact hours of the course must be assigned to activities at an on-site instructional location.
The blended online and/or virtual component includes significant activities which require engagement between faculty and student as well as from student to student. If virtual instruction is included, students must have sufficient broadband access and a device with a microphone or headset. A webcam may be required. If test proctoring is required, this must be in addition to the contact hours scheduled at the on-site instructional location. Notes on specific dates and times of meetings as well as participation requirements need to be provided to students through the registration system at the time of registration as well as in the course syllabus in IvyLearn.
Virtual Method
Course reference/abbreviation= VI
Also known as Synchronous Online Video, in virtual courses students are not required to attend campus-based activities or classes, but students are required to participate in weekly live sessions via webcast technology following the course schedule or view a recording of the live session.
The remainder of the Virtual course activities are delivered asynchronously via IvyLearn. Fifty to one hundred percent of the contact hours will be assigned to live activities. The live sessions require students to have sufficient broadband access and a device with a microphone or headset. A webcam may be required. Students may be required to take exams at an approved proctoring site or via other virtual proctoring options. If more than two exams are required, automated proctoring solutions should be used where available.
Learn Anywhere Method
Course reference/abbreviation= LA
Learn Anywhere courses are taught from an on-site/campus instructional location following the course schedule and students can attend in-person or via live webcast technology such as Zoom.
If scheduled at multiple on-site instructional locations, the instructor will be in a classroom with students at one on-site instructional location while other students attend at a separate on-site instructional location(s) or virtually. The course may be supplemented with other asynchronous activities via IvyLearn, but no less than 1/2 of the contact hours will be assigned to live activities.
In the event of rare and occasional absences, students may be given access to a recording of the live sessions for review.
Students choosing to attend live via webcast technology from an off-campus location will need sufficient broadband access and a microphone or headset. A webcam may be required. Students may be required to attend campus to visit the testing center to take proctored exams or to complete skills demonstrations.