Modes of Instruction

This page is designed to provide faculty and staff with an understanding of SUNY Cortland's modes of instruction.  The mode of instruction is the method in which the course is delivered, and may be used in a variety of different course types (e.g. lecture, seminar, labs).

Classroom-Based

Classroom based instruction encompasses all modes of in-person instruction where students meet routinely in a classroom, laboratory or other scheduled campus or community facility. Classroom-based courses meet face-to-face on a regular schedule for required contact hours per credit hour. Classroom-based classes may use online resources and e-learning to accompany and supplement the mode of instruction. This mode of instruction uses the standard time schedule, which consists of three primary meeting patterns: 

Online 

Online courses (commonly called web-based courses) are offered completely online without required in-person interaction with the instructor or class.  Online courses at SUNY Cortland are offered synchronously, except where asynchronous instruction is explicitly permitted by the department chair and school dean.

Hybrid

Hybrid courses are courses that meet online and in person with regular weekly in-person meetings.  Hybrid courses will meet at least one day per week using the standard time schedule with the remaining time fulfilled using online instruction. Hybrid courses must continue to satisfy the required contact hours per credit hour.  Hybrid course online components are offered synchronously, however faculty may use asynchronous instruction by obtaining the approval of the department chair and school dean during course building. Hybrid courses typically meet 1-2 days in the classroom, with the 2nd or 3rd day consisting of synchronous online instruction. No special notation is required for synchronous versus asynchronous instruction on the course schedule.

Blended

Blended courses meet mostly online, but have required face-to-face meetings with less frequency than once-per-week. Blended section may have as few as one in-person meeting depending on the format and objectives. Blended courses meet regularly at a scheduled time (synchronously) with real-time lectures and activities. Blended courses may also operate asynchronously by obtaining the approval of the department chair and school dean during course building. Blended courses must continue to satisfy the required contact hours per credit hour. Due to the nature of blended courses, no special notation is required for synchronous versus asynchronous instruction on the course schedule.