Beginning on August 31, the College moved to highly flexible teaching and learning models, which provides in-person, reduced-density learning. Additionally, courses and educational activities are all designed to be able to accommodate remote learning for individuals that are immunocompromised and individuals with physical challenges, as well as for students that may not feel comfortable returning to campus in person.
Instructional design teams have prepared training and development for all faculty teaching classes this fall, which includes support for both in-person and remote learning. (NOTE: There will be no modification in tuition for those who choose to pursue their studies totally remotely.) Also, there may be some classes that will be taught completely online due to the risk status of the faculty member responsible for the class. Courses that are entirely “remote” or “online” are labeled as such in self-service on Banner.
By default, all undergraduate courses at Manhattan College will be offered in the live dual-model, rotation/flipped model, or a combination. Exceptions include some remote-only courses when a faculty member is not able to return to campus. As in normal times, faculty are creative in how they teach students. The models outlined below offer the basic nature of learning on campus in the fall. Note that regardless of the teaching mode, the same time and effort commitment is required of all students.
Live dual-model (aka hybrid or hyflex) courses offer face-to-face learning to on-campus, in-person students and simultaneously to students who cannot be on campus and must learn remotely.
Rotation/flipped model courses are based on the concept of a “flipped” classroom, and include synchronous, as well as asynchronous student learning. Due to limited classroom space caused by social distancing needs, cohorts of students take turns having on-campus, in-person and remote learning. The instructor adds asynchronous learning as needed in order to meet the requirements of the course.
Remote model courses are facilitated via synchronous web-conferencing with options for video recordings, as well as additional online components to meet time-on-task requirements. This model is available to accommodate faculty that cannot be physically in the classroom.
Online model courses are rare for undergraduate students at Manhattan College because we highly value in-person, synchronous instruction. Online occurs outside of a physical classroom, and most often offers completely asynchronous learning. Instructors are separated from their learners in time and distance. Online teaching is typically facilitated through technology, such as video conferencing software, discussion boards or learning management systems.
Synchronous learning refers to a learning event in which a group of students are engaging in virtual learning at the same time. Any learning tool that is in real-time, such as instant messaging that allows students and teachers to ask and answer questions immediately, is synchronous.
Asynchronous learning refers to when instructors provide materials, lectures, tests and assignments that can be accessed remotely at any time. Students may be given a timeframe, usually a one-week window, during which they need to connect at least once or twice.