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Instructional Methods

Definitions of Instructional Methods at GCC

In Person

Course instruction is provided at a specific location on a specific day and time.

In Person By Video Link

Course instruction is provided using a video conferencing tool, which connects the instructor of a course section with students in one or more specific locations on a specific date and time. Each connected course section will list the location where the student will attend.

Not In Person – Asynchronous (Not at scheduled times)

Course content is delivered online with a flexible schedule as directed by the instructor.

Not In Person – Synchronous (At scheduled times)

Course content is delivered virtually/online on specific days and times as directed by the instructor.

Not In Person – Partially Synchronous (Some scheduled times required)

Course content is delivered virtually/online with some work required to be accessed on specific days and times, as directed by the instructor.

Hybrid

Course content is delivered at a specific location on a specific day and time (as with in-person classes), and part of the course is also completed virtually/online.

HyFlex

Combines online and in person instruction simultaneously into one single course section. Students are able to participate in class in different ways: as a synchronous distance learner (via real-time, video-streaming); as an asynchronous distance learner (accessing materials, recorded lectures, and responding at a later time); as an in person learner (physically present in the classroom); or as a flexible learner (with a degree of choice as to how they participate each week; sometimes in person, sometimes by streaming class sessions, etc.).

Instruction Delivery Locations

Batavia

In person instruction for this course is delivered on the Batavia Campus in an assigned classroom, lab or lecture hall.

Campus Center (Dansville, Medina, Warsaw)

In person instruction for this course is delivered at one of the regional campus centers in an assigned classroom or lab.

Online

Instruction for this course is delivered entirely online. Students may complete the coursework at any location where they have access to all necessary technology. Online courses may be offered using Synchronous, Asynchronous, or Partially Synchronous delivery methods.

Students should review Brightspace and the course syllabus for specific technology requirements. (Proctored exams may be required.)

Remote

The delivery location has changed: Instruction for this course would ordinarily be delivered in an “In Person” format at the Batavia Campus or a Campus Center; however, this term, it will be delivered virtually in a specified online delivery method: synchronous, asynchronous or partially synchronous. Many remote courses will replace in person learning with video conferencing requirements such as “Zoom”.

Students should review Brightspace and the course syllabus for specific technology requirements. (Proctored exams may be required.)

HyFlex Learning Option

What is HyFlex?

A HyFlex course is a course that allows each individual student to choose whether they attend class in person in the classroom, through web-conferencing into the live classroom, or online at their own time.

Students can choose the way they attend each class – for example, go to the first class meeting in the classroom, attend the second class meeting from home through video-conferencing, and work on materials for the third class meeting online on their own time.

This is what makes the course flexible – you can choose how you attend the course:

Student is free to choose delivery mode that fits their preference and schedule.
Students are not required to attend any class meetings in person.
All Assignments will be available online.

Student Responsibilities in HyFlex Courses:

Read the entire syllabus and know the policies for each class in which you are enrolled – pay attention to deadlines and due dates!
If you choose to video-conference in to the class, make sure your computer set-up is ready for it – webcam, microphone, high-speed internet.
Check the Course Calendar, Announcements, and Messages (e-mail) systems in Brightspace on a regular basis (at least 2-3 times per week).
Keep current on class recordings, if not attending the live class (either in person or online).
Keep current with all course assignments, quizzes, and examinations.
If your course uses proctored exams be sure you plan this out early in the semester.
Ask questions and communicate with the instructor.
Remember that the greater degree of online learning you choose means that you also assume greater responsibility for your own learning outcomes. Complete the online Readiness Assessment to determine if you are a good candidate for a technology-based educational delivery system.
Questions? Email: HyFlex@xfmlsp.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Course Modalities

What Instructional Methods does GCC offer?

In-Person/On-Campus/Face-to-Face: Students meet face-to-face on a campus on a particular day and time. You may participate via video conference from a campus other than the originating campus (i.e., where the instructor is).
Online: Students participate online at a location, day, and time of their individual choosing.
Online (At scheduled times): The course is taught fully online but must be accessed virtually on specific days and times as directed by the instructor.
Online (Some scheduled times required): The course is taught fully online, with some of the work required of the student accessed virtually on specific days and times, as directed by the instructor.
Hybrid: The course is taught at a specific location on a specific day and time (as with in-person classes), but part of the course is also completed online.
HyFlex: Students may choose, on a day-by-day basis, to participate in-person or online or through a combination of online and in-person. Students may also complete all or part of the in-person component of the course using “zoom” or similar technology from any location. This option offers the student the most flexibility.

Which Instructional Methods/formats are offered for courses in my degree program?

Some degree programs offer one or more courses in multiple instructional methods while other programs offer a single instructional methods. Programs may be planning to diversify their instructional methods in the future. Please check with your advisor or program director for more information.

Is one course instructional methods easier than another?

The specific processes and experiences of an in-person course versus an online course certainly will vary in some aspects. For instance, you may participate in discussions but classmates and the instructor will not be in the same space as you, which does change the dynamic. While certain aspects will differ across modalities, all participants will be expected to achieve the same Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs) associated with the course.

Why are some courses only offered in one instructional methods/format?

Each degree program is responsible for the courses and instructional methods it offers. Please direct questions to your Program Director.

May I take a variety of course instructional methods/formats to complete my degree program?

Perhaps. If your degree program offers one or more courses in multiple instructional methods, then you may select the course instructional methods you wish to complete the course and your program. Please direct questions to your Program Director.

May I attend an in-person/on-campus/face-to-face course remotely?

Some courses are hosted at one campus and link to one or more campuses via video conference. In this sense, you may join the course remotely from a participating campus. However, you may not be able to join the course remotely from your own location; check with your instructor.

May I attend an online asynchronous or an online synchronous course at a location of my choosing?

Yes. You are free to participate in the online course from any location that has internet access, including a GCC campus, home, coffee shop. For online synchronous courses, you should find a location free from excessive background noises.

Why is GCC offering courses in different instructional methods/formats?

Today’s college students are seeking flexibility in how, when, and where they pursue a college degree. While many follow a more traditional path, attending in-person courses on campus, others seek the convenience of participating remotely. Some want to join a course session “live” while others want to engage in pre-recorded content at a time that best meets their unique schedule.

In short, GCC is offering different instructional methods/formats because that is what our students want.

A course I need to take is offered in multiple instructional methods/formats, but I am not sure which will work best for me. Is someone available to help me decide?

The first person you should look to is yourself: What is your honest self-assessment about your learning needs, preferences, and strengths? Do you want or need the accountability of a set day, time, and/or location? If yes, in-person or online synchronous is your Instructional Method. Do you want the flexibility of participating from a remote location, like your home, job, or local library? If yes, online synchronous or online asynchronous is best. Do you want the most flexibility to choose where and how you participate, session to session? If yes, HyFlex is your choice.

Reach out in advance to your GCC Success Coach and Program Director, and if possible, the instructor, to discuss particulars about modality options and experiences for the specific course.

Depending on the specific nature of the question, reach out to the instructor or a course colleague. It is a good idea to connect with a “course buddy” at the beginning of the term, so you may reach out to one another for help as needed.
Online and HyFlex courses should each have a “Student Lounge” discussion forum for students to ask course questions.

If I have a technical/computer problem or question, where may I get help?

If you have a technical question or problem with your course, first check the Support section of your course in Brightspace. If you cannot resolve your problem through the support resources in the course reach out to your instructor.

What are the technical requirements (e.g., hardware, software, environment) to participate in an internet-based (online) class session?

A desktop or laptop computer running Windows 10 or 11, MAC running OS 12 Monterey or newer with at least 8GB of RAM. You should have administrator rights on the device, which allows you to add, modify, or delete content and to change settings. Tablets that meet these specifications may be acceptable. Chromebooks and smartphones are not recommended, as they lack certain needed capabilities.
A webcam and/or microphone—built-in to most laptop computers. Check with your instructor, as some may require only a microphone but not a webcam.
Computer speakers and/or headphones (wired or wireless).
Firefox or Chrome web browsers are most compatible with the GCC online Learning Management System (i.e., Brightspace LMS) and other content and resources used by instructors. Use the most current version. You may need to add Chrome extensions for some online features to work.
Students participating in live online video conferences may need to download and activate free software, associated with the platform being used by the instructor (e.g., Zoom) when they log into a video conference.
Many GCC courses use the Brightspace online LMS to manage various functions of the course. Additionally, some instructors use third-party products and/or links to content outside of Brightspace, which may present other hardware and/or software requirements for you. Seek clarification from your instructor about all third party products and/or outside content and how to receive user support, including technical support.
Reliable internet access, wireless or wired. Be wary of open wireless networks, which may allow unknown and unwanted persons to access your computer.
Unless specifically noted by your instructor, documents (e.g., reports) should be in .doc or .rtf format.
A private and quiet environment to minimize background noises being transmitted/heard by others and to aid you in focusing on the course session. [As they are viewing prerecorded content, online asynchronous participants may opt for a less strict environment.]