Course Formats
Your class will use one of four learning approaches: (1) face-to-face classes, (2) hybrid classes, (3) online synchronous classes, or (4) online asynchronous classes. Despite differences in delivery, all formats share a collaborative, community-focused model where your engagement with the curriculum, instructor, and peers is crucial.
Face-to-Face, Hybrid, & Online Synchronous Classes
If you are enrolled in a face-to-face, hybrid, or online synchronous class then you have a scheduled class meeting time. In these formats, you'll experience a mix of "real-time" and "anytime" learning. Real-time learning involves live, synchronous classes that are ideal for engaging in interactive discussions, problem-solving, relationship-building, and creating original media as a class community. Real time learning is great if you enjoy participatory dialogue, team-based content creation, and cooperative troubleshooting. Anytime learning comprises your studies outside of class sessions, which allows you to work at your own pace, review materials, explore additional resources, and complete assignments at your own pace. Anytime learning is great if you like to work early in the morning, study late at night, or prefer self-paced learning. If you are enrolled in a face-to-face or hybrid class, then our real time learning will take place in person, on campus in a physical classroom. If you are enrolled in a fully online synchronous class, then our "real time" learning will take place using Zoom. In both cases, your anytime learning will be managed through AsULearn.
Online Asynchronous Classes
If you are enrolled in an online asynchronous class, then there are no scheduled meeting times. Instead, you’ll engage in "anytime learning" with course materials, activities, projects, and peers through AsULearn and other selected online tools. Consistent participation is key to both your success and the vitality of our online class community. Even without scheduled meetings, you'll participate in lively online conversations where you share ideas, gather feedback from peers, and dive into dialogue about course topics– mostly using discussion forums or the class chat. In some cases, your class may include some synchronous meetings with peers or the instructor that involve Zoom or in-person interactions. These include but are not limited to virtual study groups, peer reviews, group projects, or Q&A sessions. Daily check-ins, consistent posting, and flexibility are essential to stay on track and contribute to a dynamic learning environment in asynchronous classes.
"Anytime"
Learning
We'll use AsULearn and selected other tools to engage with course topics, activities, discussions, projects, and more within commonly defined time frames.
"Real Time"
Learning
We'll meet together at the same time and same place– whether it’s a physical classroom or online using Zoom.
In summary, both real-time and anytime learning approaches require your active engagement. Your presence is reflected in the quality, consistency, timeliness, thoughtfulness, and depth of your interactions and contributions. Consistent, thoughtful involvement that shows awareness of course topics, assignments, and peers' input is crucial. A thriving learning community communicates regularly, engages in discussions thoughtfully, takes on group roles, frequently posts and reviews content, and remains active with peers. Late or sporadic postings, incomplete responses, or infrequent contributions do not demonstrate sufficient engagement. For this reason, Engagement is part of your grade this semester, as detailed in the Assessment section.
To assist you in building positive learning habits, review our Community Values PDFs.
Using Zoom
If you are enrolled in a blended online class with scheduled meetings, then we’ll use Zoom as our real time learning space. There are a number of technical considerations that will help make your real time experience using Zoom go more smoothly. Use the checklist below prior to joining our synchronous classes:
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Have you conducted an internet speed test? Zoom recommends an internet speed of 1.5 megabits per second (mbps). Go here for more details https://speedtest.appstate.edu/
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Are you connected using a stable WiFi network that you control or wired Ethernet?
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Do you have a fully charged laptop, connected desktop, or other charged device with a functioning camera, mic, and speaker/earbuds?
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Have you closed all other unnecessary media applications (i.e. YouTube, Skype, Hangouts, etc.)?
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Do you have earbuds with a microphone, or a headset, to reduce noise and audio feedback?
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Do you have a light source in front of you?
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Have you rebooted your computer within the past 24 hours and made any necessary updates?
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Have you clearly identified yourself using the “Rename” feature of Zoom so that your thumbnail shows your preferred first name?
If you have technical difficulties, it is your responsibility as a student to communicate with your instructor or classmates. If your computer or email is malfunctioning, or if you need assistance with your AppState email account, please contact IT Support Services at 828-262-6266 or support@appstate.edu.
In addition to technical aspects, using Zoom will require you to think differently about your learning persona. Read our Engagement section carefully to become familiar with how to demonstrate your active participation and presence in online learning.