Distance Learning (including online, hybrid, and remote learning)

Distance Learning

Distance learning refers to any form of learning that does not exclusively take place face to face (f2f). Online, hybrid, and remote classes all fall under the broad category of distance learning, each with their own degree of distance from which students engage. Please review the following sections for more information about distance learning-specific pedagogies and advice on teaching online, hybrid, or remote classes.

Pedagogies, Practices, and Course Design

Online Learning

The Online Learning Consortium states that online courses “totally eliminate geography as a factor in the relationship between the student and the institution. They consist entirely of online elements that facilitate the three critical student interactions: with content, the instructor, and other students.”

Pedagogies, Practices, and Course Design

General Tips

Hybrid Learning

Hybrid Learning at Penn State defines hybrid learning as “courses that combine Web and traditional face-to-face classroom instruction. Hybrid courses are organized to reduce or replace the number of required face-to-face class sessions in order to improve effectiveness and flexibility for instructors and students and/or to achieve other efficiencies. Hybrid courses reduce by approximately 40% or more of the number of required classroom sessions, although some classroom sessions are required.”

Pedagogies, Practices, and Course Design

Remote Learning

Remote learning refers to classes that were initially taught face-to-face (f2f) but transitioned to distant learning during the semester. This structure is less common, but, as we saw in the spring 2020 semester, it is helpful to be aware of how to smoothly transition f2f classes to remote classes. Much of the information found in the online and hybrid sections will be useful when teaching a remote class, but there is still more advice available below about triaging teaching and learning in the context of a remote class.

Pedagogies, Practices, Course Redesign, and General Tips