Online Learning and Instructional Types

Flexible Learning Options

Our alternative instructional types make college more accessible to those with busy schedules.


Choose the learning experience that’s right for you with a variety of instructional types, including both in-person and virtual course offerings.

Class Instruction Types

Face to Face icon Icon of student with computer screen and play button Illustration of students talking on a computer via video conferencing Illustration of student on a computer and on campus Hyflex icon

What do these terms mean?

You’ll attend class for Face-to-Face course sections in person, at a physical location on a CSM campus, according to a fixed schedule. The building, room, time of day, and day of the week will be posted in the schedule. Web-Based courses take place completely in a virtual environment, with no set or required meeting days or times—although they do have fixed start and end dates that correspond to the academic session. Real-Time Technology (RTT) courses take place completely in a virtual environment, with scheduled meeting days and times for live lectures and class activities. The remainder of the course is online. Hybrid courses combine the virtual environment with in-person instruction on campus. Hybrid courses have physical campus locations for the on-campus component; and have specific meeting days and times. The remainder of the course is online. Hy-Flex courses combine the virtual environment with in-person instruction. Hy-Flex courses meet according to a set schedule, and you can choose to attend class virtually or on campus.

Will students be meeting on campus?

Yes. Your class will meet physically, on campus, in the designated classroom on the designated day and time. No, these classes do not have regularly scheduled days and times to log in. No, all classes will be in a virtual environment. Yes, partially. Some on-campus instruction or activity is mandatory* for these courses. Optional. Your instructor will teach in person at the designated campus location, and you have the choice of attending virtually or physically.

Are there scheduled class meeting times?

Yes, the classes will have scheduled meeting times. No, these classes do not have regularly scheduled dates and times for students to log in.  Yes, you'll log in at specific class meeting times to interact with your instructor and/or your fellow students. Yes, you’ll meet your instructor and fellow students at specific meeting times. Yes, there will be scheduled meeting times, during which you can attend either virtually or in person according to your preference.

How will these classes appear in Online Services?

Location:
A CSM campus location

Schedule:
Specific meeting days and times (Example MW 11:30 AM - 12:50 PM)

Location:
Virtual Campus

Schedule:
No meeting days or times

Location:
Virtual Campus

Schedule:
Specific meeting days and times (Example MW 11:30 AM - 12:50 PM)

Location:
A CSM Campus location

Schedule:
Specific meeting days and times (Example MW 11:30 AM - 12:50 PM)

Location:
A CSM campus or a virtual location

Schedule:
Specific meeting days and times (Example MW 11:30 AM - 12:50 PM)

*The health and well-being of the CSM community is our highest priority. Strict and rigorous safety measures will be taken to protect students and employees. Accommodations will be made for students and employees for whom return to campus is not appropriate.

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