Mode of Instruction
IAU delivers courses through four modes of instruction.
In-Person Mode of Instruction refers to the traditional classroom-based format in which students and instructors meet physically at a designated campus location for scheduled class sessions, where learning occurs through face-to-face interaction in a physical classroom. In this modality, students attend classes at scheduled days and times and locations where the instructor delivers lectures, facilitates discussions, conducts group activities, and provides direct guidance and feedback.
This traditional method may include simple classroom technology and is typically reserved for English as a Second Language (ESL) or Pathway Programs.
Key Characteristics:
- Face-to-face instruction in a physical classroom
- Scheduled class meetings at a designated campus or instructional site
- Direct interaction between students and faculty
- Opportunities for live discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning
- Attendance expectations consistent with University classroom policies
The Hybrid / Blended mode of instruction is the most typical mode of instruction. It encompasses both face-to-face instruction and online learning. The Hybrid mode is a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning. The Hybrid mode emphasizes classroom-based presentation of information while assignments, learning activities, and assessments take place online.
The Hybrid / Blended mode does not replace conventional face-to-face instruction. In fact, the Hybrid mode harnesses web technologies to take face-to-face instruction one step further. IAU uses a Learning Management System (LMS), IAUonline to facilitate online learning in conjunction with face-to-face instruction.
The majority of the delivery of this mode takes place in a traditional classroom where physical attendance is mandatory for students for the successful completion of a course. Students are required to attend all mandatory class meetings, which meet during the scheduled time of the course.
In a Hybrid / Blended mode, an instructor physically delivers instruction for each lesson in a conventional classroom. Live lectures are also delivered using Google Meet, as its video conferencing delivery tool. This allows students who may not be able to attend in-person to attend the live lecture. Additionally, the lecture is recorded, allowing those who missed class due to personal, work, or emergencies to be able to watch the recorded lecture asynchronously at their convenience.
Standard classroom books and printed materials are typically used in combination with online lectures, assignments, and supplementary course materials. Using computer-based technologies, instructors use the online model to redesign some lecture or lab content into new online learning activities, such as case studies, tutorials, self-testing exercises, simulations, and online group collaborations.
An instructor assesses students’ coursework (assignments, quizzes, discussion questions, etc) for each lesson. An instructor has the ability to monitor active participation in the classroom (offline) and through IAUonline.
In a Hybrid / Blended mode, students’ engagement takes place both in a classroom (offline) and online. Students can interact with an instructor offline and online. Students can ask questions to their instructor either during a class or online through IAUonline. The Hybrid / Blended mode enables students to do coursework before or after class in ways that are not possible with conventional face-to-face instruction. In a Hybrid / Blended mode, students are able to interact with an instructor and fellow classmates both offline during class meetings and through IAUonline. IAUonline is available 24/7. Therefore, students can submit their coursework anytime from anywhere with an Internet connection. Students are required to post discussion questions and submit assignments and/or exams in a timely manner.
It is common for Online Synchronous students to participate in the same Hybrid/Blended courses, allowing Online Synchronous students to interact with Hybrid/Blended students virtually.
Distance Learning & Substantive Interaction
Substantive interaction in IAU’s online course room may include, but is not limited to: direct/indirect or synchronous/asynchronous faculty instruction, substantive feedback to assessments, academic online discussion, direct messaging in IAUonline, and contact with students that create the opportunity for relevant discussion of the academic subject matter.
Key Characteristics:
- Combination of in-person classroom sessions and online learning activities
- Reduced number of face-to-face class meetings compared to fully in-person courses
- Online components delivered through the learning management system
- Clear schedule outlining both in-person and online learning requirements
- Integration of classroom interaction with flexible online learning
- Attendance expectations consistent with University classroom policies
Online Synchronous Mode of Instruction refers to a method of course delivery in which live, scheduled instruction takes place in real time through a video conferencing platform, allowing students and instructors to interact using web-based conferencing technology. In this mode, instructors and students meet online at designated class days and times to participate in lectures, discussions, presentations, and collaborative activities in real time.
Standard classroom books and printed materials are typically used in combination with online lectures, assignments, and supplementary course materials. Using computer-based technologies, instructors use the online model to redesign some lecture or lab content into new online learning activities, such as case studies, tutorials, self-testing exercises, simulations, and online group collaborations.
IAU uses a Learning Management System (LMS), IAUonline to facilitate online learning in conjunction with face-to-face instruction. Online Synchronous students are able to interact with an instructor and fellow classmates, both offline, during class meetings and through IAUonline. IAUonline is available 24/7. Therefore, students can submit their coursework anytime from anywhere with an Internet connection. Students are required to post discussion questions and submit assignments and/or exams in a timely manner. This instructional modality promotes immediate interaction between students and faculty, supports peer collaboration, and maintains a structured academic schedule while providing the flexibility of attending class remotely.
It is common for Online Synchronous students to participate in Hybrid/Blended courses, allowing Online Synchronous students to interact with Hybrid/Blended students virtually.
Distance Learning & Substantive Interaction
Substantive interaction in IAU’s online course room may include, but is not limited to: direct/indirect or synchronous/asynchronous faculty instruction, substantive feedback to assessments, academic online discussion, direct messaging in IAUonline, and contact with students that create the opportunity for relevant discussion of the academic subject matter.
Key Characteristics:
- Real-time online class meetings with scheduled meeting times
- Live interaction between instructor and students
- Participation through video conferencing
- Opportunities for discussion, group activities, and immediate feedback
- Attendance is more flexible than in-person classes
50% Tuition Fee Reduction for Online Students
In-Person Mode of Instruction refers to the traditional classroom-based format in which students and instructors meet physically at a designated campus location for scheduled class sessions, where learning occurs through face-to-face interaction in a physical classroom. In this modality, students attend classes at scheduled days and times and locations where the instructor delivers lectures, facilitates discussions, conducts group activities, and provides direct guidance and feedback.
This traditional method may include simple classroom technology and is typically reserved for English as a Second Language (ESL) or Pathway Programs.
Key Characteristics:
- Face-to-face instruction in a physical classroom
- Scheduled class meetings at a designated campus or instructional site
- Direct interaction between students and faculty
- Opportunities for live discussion, collaboration, and hands-on learning
- Attendance expectations consistent with University classroom policies
Join the Blue Eagle Family!
