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UNDERSTANDING COURSE DELIVERY FORMATS

WVU offers a wide range of programs and courses. Some are completely online, while others mix online and on-campus requirements. And even more options are offered on a class-by-class basis.

This site explains the ways WVU courses are offered.

Learning Beyond the “Normal” Classroom Setting

Like everything else, college learning has evolved with the influence of technology. There has been an increased demand for flexibility in the ways students learn. While many enjoy attending classes on a physical campus, others prefer to take courses from their homes – or even their hometowns! – through online platforms.

No matter which group you’re in, it’s almost guaranteed that even your in-person classes on campus will have some online interaction or engagement.

Female student wearing a WVU t-shirt working on a laptop.

Course Delivery Options

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, each course has been carefully designed for its best delivery format. Below are general descriptions of the six most common course delivery formats followed by sample images of the course schedule for reference.

Please note that specific tools and approaches are determined by the course instructor to ensure that you learn what you need to know.

In-Person Icon

In-Person Courses

SAME TIME, SAME PLACE

You are learning face-to-face. You’ll go to class at a designated time on designated days of the week. But while you are on a traditional class schedule, you may be expected to log in to a variety of online platforms to supplement your on-campus learning.

Learn More About In-Person Courses

Hybrid Icon

Hybrid Courses

IN-PERSON AND ONLINE

The best of both worlds. Your course content is delivered through a combination of in-person and online. You have the opportunity to interact with the instructor and course material in a way designated by your instructor. You will likely engage in online learning activities before, during and after in-person classes so you can collaborate with classmates.

Learn More About Hybrid Courses

HyFlex Icon

HyFlex Courses

THE CHOICE IS YOURS

Your course content is delivered both in-person and online. You can choose how to participate based on your personal preference or life commitments. You can also alternate your delivery style on a day-by-day basis. Feel like going to class? Head to campus. Not so much? Stay home and attend class online.

Learn More About HyFlex Courses

Online Synchronous Icon

Online – Synchronous Courses

IN REAL TIME

Same time, same online space. You and your instructor are together with your classmates in the same online space, working together in real-time. You’ll have regularly scheduled meetings and are expected to log in at designated times.

Learn More About Online–Synchronous Courses
Online Asynchronous Icon

Online – Asynchronous Courses

ON YOUR OWN TIME

Learn anytime, anyplace, as long as you meet your instructor's deadlines.You are able to complete courses on your own time, no matter where you are. The course will include specific opportunities to engage with your instructor. There also may be times when you will interact with classmates through discussion boards and other online platforms.

Learn More About Online–Asynchronous Courses
Campus Icon

Low-Residency Courses

ONLINE AND IN-PERSON, EVERY SO OFTEN

Figuring out which courses to take each semester can seem daunting at first. But looking over the samples below will help you decide what options work for you.

Learn More About Low-Residency Courses

Identifying Course Formats on the Schedule

Figuring out which courses to take each semester can seem daunting at first. But looking over the samples below will help you decide what options work for you.


In-Person, Hyrbid, and HyFlex Courses

At this point in time, traditional in-person courses, HyFlex and hybrid courses look the same on the WVU course schedule.

Because these three formats provide some in-person, on-campus participation, they will show:

  • Meeting days and times
  • A building location with an assigned room

You can ask the program director or department chair about the specific course delivery format.

In-Person, Hybrid, or HyFlex Course Screen

This is an In-Person, Hybrid, or HyFlex Course

In-Person, Hybrid, or HyFlex Schedule Builder

Schedule Builder for an In-Person, Hybrid, or HyFlex Course


Online – Synchronous Courses

On the WVU course schedule, an online-synchronous course will likely show:

  • Meeting days and times*
    *These are the times you are expected to be present online. Any variations will be determined and communicated by the instructor.
  • The campus or building location is “Online”

Online Synchronous screen

This is an Online-Synchronous Course

Online Synchronous Schedule Builder

Schedule Builder for an Online-Synchronous Course


Online – Asynchronous Courses

On the WVU course schedule, an online-asynchronous course will show:

  • No meeting days or times (or TBA)
  • The campus or building location is “Online”

Online Asynchronous Course Screen

This is an Online-Asynchronous Course

Online Asynchronous Schedule Builder

Schedule Builder for an Online-Asynchronous Course


Low-Residency Courses

On the WVU course schedule, a low-residency course will show:

  • No meeting days or times (or TBA)*
    *Some on-campus (or another designated location) requirements exist. Required face-to-face meeting dates and times are determined by the course and/or program.
  • The campus or building location is “Online”

Low-Residency Course Screen

This is a Low-Residency Course

Low-Residency Course Schedule Builder

You’ll add the course as shown in the other examples, but you’ll need to pay special attention to the course note. This is just one example of a low-residency course. Please note that low-residency courses may have different requirements than what is shown in the example.