UCF Digital Learning Course Modalities

At UCF, there are several ways that digital learning courses can be classified to provide options for faculty and students. Take a look at the course modalities below and think about which one best suits you and your students' needs. For full descriptions, visit Types of Courses at UCF.

Also at UCF, in addition to course modalities, there are what is called "course attributes." Course attributes add additional information to help students make the most informed decision when selecting classes. They describe specifics about how the course is delivered and how students will be expected to participate. You will learn more about UCF Digital Learning Course Attributes on the next page, but first, let's take a look at the modalities.

As you review the modalities below note that all four online modalities below share the same foundational design, which is asynchronous in nature.

Please note: Beginning Summer 2024, UCF will transition to new course modalities.

Refer to the new modalities table on CDL's Credentials for Online Teaching website to learn about the new modalities.

Table showing UCF Digital Learning Modalities
Modality	Web (W)	Mixed Mode (M)	Limited Attendance (RS)	Video (V)
Brief Description	Courses are online conducted via flexible, asynchronous Web-based instruction and collaboration using various technologies.	Courses include both required classroom attendance and online instruction in a blended format. (Often referred to as blended learning.)	Courses are primarily online in a blended format combining required in-person and online elements.	Courses are online with extensive use of digital video, which may be supplemented by additional online activities, projects, or exams.
Design	Asynchronous online foundation + asynchronous online interactions	Asynchronous online foundation + synchronous in-person interactions	Asynchronous online foundation + limited *active* synchronous in-person interactions	Asynchronous online foundation + extensive use of video (asynchronous and/or synchronous) + interactions
Regularly scheduled in-person meetings	NO Some courses may require minimal campus attendance or in-person/proctored examinations.	YES In-person activities are more than 20%* of the instructional time during the semester.*	YES In-person activities should use less than 20%* of instructional time during the semester*	NO
Benefits	Easy access and flexibility Reusable learning objects Promotes self-paced and self-directed learning	Students are better prepared for in-person discussions and activities. Improved student outcomes (Garnham & Kaleta, 2002; O’Toole & Absalom, 2003, Weitzel, 2021), Improved student satisfaction and retention Easy access and flexibility The social atmosphere and increased student engagement (Weitzel, 2021) Reusable learning objects	Students are better prepared for in-person discussions and activities. The improved social atmosphere and increased student engagement (Weitzel, 2021) Easy access and flexibility Reusable learning objects	Easy access and flexibility Reusable learning objects Extended use of video allows for improved accessibility via captioning.
Available Attribute	PAL	Flexible Live PAL	Flexible Live REAL PAL	Flexible Live PAL

UCF Digital Learning Course Modalities

UCF Digital Learning Course Modalities

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