Online at UNO offers undergraduate, graduate, and microcredential programs to help you reach your education goals and career ambitions while also fitting into your schedule.
Understanding common terms related to online and flexible learning, including the different types of course delivery modes, will be important as you're searching and registering for classes.
Asynchronous
Asynchronous delivery means you can access your course and content virtually at any time and at your convenience. Students can log in and complete coursework as their schedule allows. Note that assignments may have due dates weekly or monthly depending on the course.
Synchronous
Synchronous delivery means you will be required to connect in real-time at instructor-specified dates and times. This is often done through Zoom, but there are many methods your instructor may choose to interact with you and your classmates. Synchronous delivery is also sometimes called "live" or "real-time" instruction.
Fully Online Classes
Fully online means that courses are 100% virtual and never meet face-to-face. They usually are asynchronous, meaning you can access your course and content at any time as your schedule allows. Note that some instructors do opt to have meetings at specific dates and times even with an asynchronous delivery, and assignments will likely have due dates weekly or monthly depending on the course.
Hybrid Classes
Sometimes hybrid classes are described as flexible, meaning that they are a blend of different delivery methods, including fully online, on-campus, and remote. Most hybrid classes are synchronous, and you will be required to attend class at a specific date and time, whether that is in a virtual environment like Zoom or in a classroom. It is possible to have a class that never has an in-person class but does have a face-to-face meeting. Individual courses will give you all of those details when you register.
Remote Classes
Remote courses never physically meet on campus but deliver content synchronously identical to the face-to-face classroom format. Remote courses simply use technology like Zoom to maximize engagement in a virtual classroom environment and use a variety of learning strategies.
Course Delivery Modes and Section Numbers
Fully Online Classes/850 Section
Fully online means that courses are 100% virtual and never meet face-to-face. They usually are asynchronous, meaning you can access your course and content at any time as your schedule allows.
Note that some instructors do opt to have meetings at specific dates and times even with an asynchronous delivery, and assignments will likely have due dates weekly or monthly depending on the course.
Hybrid Classes/860 Section
Sometimes hybrid classes are described as flexible, meaning that they are a blend of different delivery methods, including fully online, on-campus, and remote. Most hybrid classes are synchronous, and you will be required to attend class at a specific date and time, whether that is in a virtual environment like Zoom or in a classroom.
It is possible to have a class that never has an in-person class but does have a face-to-face meeting. Individual courses will give you all of those details when you register.
Remote Classes/820 Section
Remote courses never physically meet on campus but deliver content synchronously identical to the face-to-face classroom format. Remote courses simply use technology like Zoom to maximize engagement in a virtual classroom environment and use a variety of learning strategies.
In-Person Classes/001+ Section
In-person classes are delivered almost entirely in a physical classroom or space and are synchronous. Classes meet face-to-face at regularly scheduled times, often weekly, in pre-determined classrooms or meeting locations.
These courses may use digital resources like Canvas to supplement communication or access content. Again, pay special attention to the "Course Attributes/Notes" when you register for classes as this will tell you when and where the class will meet and any special requirements like a webcam or proctored testing.