In an attempt to offer the highest degree of flexibility to students and faculty, the University announcement about Fall 2020 courses did not mandate a particular delivery method for courses under 250 students. This page explains four basic delivery modes and enumerates considerations and resources for each.
Four Flexible Instructional Modes
For more detailed definitions of each mode, see the University’s instructional options table. Select a delivery mode below for more information and resources pertinent to that mode of instruction.
In-Person Instruction
Students meet in the assigned classroom at the time assigned in the course schedule. Students are expected to attend all classes in-person. In the event of occasional and/or temporary absence, students will follow the attendance policy of the University, with some flexibility.
Mixed-Mode Instruction
This instructional mode offers a mix of in-person and remote instruction achieved through classroom space rotation, reducing in-person class time by including either remote synchronous or remote asynchronous instruction, using in-person class time for experiential learning elements, or some combination of these.
Remote Asynchronous Instruction
In the remote asynchronous instructional mode, students and faculty use communication and collaboration tools at no scheduled meeting time.
Remote Synchronous Instruction
In the remote synchronous instructional mode, students and faculty meet virtually and simultaneously during scheduled meeting times using communication and collaboration tools.
This material has been adapted from Penn State College of Information Sciences and Technology Fall 2020.
