Delivery Method Definitions
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
Online Course: A course in which a majority (more than 50 percent) of the instruction occurs when the student(s) and instructor(s) are not in the same physical setting. A distance education course can be delivered synchronously or asynchronously to any single or multiple location(s) through electronic, correspondence, or other means. A full distance education course is a course that may have mandatory face-to-face (F2F) sessions totaling no more than 15 percent of the instructional time. Examples of F2F sessions include orientation, laboratory, exam review, or an in-person test.
What does this mean at UTEP? The majority of course material is housed in Blackboard. Most coursework is asynchronous, with occasional synchronous activities if required by the instructor. Students must have access to a computer/mobile device and internet connectivity.
Hybrid/Blended Course: A course in which a majority (more than 50 percent but less than 85 percent), of the planned instruction occurs when the students and instructor(s) are not in the same place.
What does this mean at UTEP? Hybrid classes replace a portion of traditional F2F instruction with online activities in Blackboard (such as video lectures, online discussions, projects, and assessments). Online interactions can be synchronous or asynchronous. Students must have a computer/mobile device and internet connectivity.
HyFlex Course: A course that integrates F2F classes with an online learning experience. HyFlex courses differ from hybrid and blended courses in that students are given the choice to attend classes F2F or online via video conferencing software such as Zoom or MS Teams. Faculty teach every class session F2F.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Full Course of Study Requirements for International Students: Only one online or distance learning class can count toward a full course of study for an F-1 student during each term or semester. No online or distance learning classes may count toward an M-1 or ESL student's full course of study requirement. HyFlex course formats are considered online by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
What does that mean at UTEP? Instructors may not require students to report to any class session in person; students reserve the right to choose F2F or online attendance for every class. Instructor and students interact and collaborate F2F and online during class sessions. Students must have a computer/mobile device and internet connectivity.
Remote or Streamed Course: A course that is synchronous and has defined meeting times. Course material should be housed on the Institution's learning management system (LMS) for student accessibility. Synchronous sessions may be recorded and housed in LMS for student reference.
What does that mean at UTEP? Instructors take attendance during stated synchronous class sessions and online course work on Blackboard may be assigned in conjunction with class sessions. Students must have a computer/mobile device and internet connectivity.