Course Modality Options
DEFINITIONS
Online - Asynchronous	The course is fully online and students access content on their own at a time in the day of their choosing.
Online - Synchronous	The course is fully online, but students meet in real time, on a regular schedule, with their professor and peers via Zoom or a similar platform.
Fully on Campus	All students meet in a regular classroom setting at normally scheduled times. All students can fit in the designated class space while social distancing.
Blended On Campus/Online	A combination of face-to-face and online learning. This may include an arrangement where students rotate through the classroom on different days or weeks or could involve a combination of synchronous or asynchronous activities depending on the circumstances of the course.
Flipped	The course is taught predominantly online, in an asynchronous format, but students are encouraged to periodically visit a classroom or laboratory space to work on problems, projects, or group discussions in a manner that respects social distancing. The primary work of the course is done outside of class.
Flexible	The course is intentionally designed to allow students to attend face-to-face or complete content online as it suits them, provided they meet the course objectives.
Internship	The course grants credit for performing an internship off-site.  The course is remote, but not considered an online course
Practicum	The course grants credit for participation in a training activity or co-curricular experience, such as in some health professions, student media, forensics, etc.
Clinical/Field Experience	Learning is taking place completely or partially in a remote setting under the supervision of a professional, such as in Education or various health professions.

Please review the minimum technology requirements per the Truman IT department here.

For specific Blackboard issues and helpful tutorials please click here.

Finally, feel free to contact IT directly with questions via this link.

Successful Online Learners are:

• Open minded
• Self-starting
• Able to meet deadlines
• Possess basic computing skills -or- the desire to acquire them
• Possess critical thinking skills and the willingness to apply them in new ways
• See the value in online learning as a modality
• More information for online success.

Truman has a number of resources that may be helpful with time management.  First and foremost it is imperative that you communicate with your instructor.  Additionally, the CAE offers INDV 110: Skills for Academic Success which covers time management skills in detail.  However, you may also use the recommended text, Cal Newport’s “How to Become a Straight A Student” as a resource for time management. Finally, please feel free to reach out to your academic advisor.  Your advisor is a great resource for helping you plan out academic success strategies throughout your time here at Truman.  Whatever you choose to do, DO NOT wait to act.  Addressing problems as soon as they arise is a key to academic success.

Since much of the work product in an online course is written, it is necessary to maintain professional communication at all times.  Your written word in an online course is often the “face” that you present to the instructor and your classmates.  When communicating it is always best to:

• Use full sentences, correct spelling and identify yourself to whomever will be reading your communication.
• Maintain respect for both yourself and others when expressing your opinion.
• Pay attention to course communication guidelines and deadlines as outlined in the syllabus and Blackboard course information.
• Respond critically, analytically, and thoughtfully at all times.

Some courses are offered asynchronously which allow the student to complete work at their own pace according to set deadlines and expectations.  However, other courses are offered synchronously which require you to attend class (as determined by course composition) at certain days and times.  It is important that you determine the type of course that you are in early on by reviewing the syllabus attendance requirements.  Addtionally, courses may define attendance in specific ways such as requiring audio/video to be enable at all times, showing up/logging in within a certain amount of time from  the official start of class, participation and class readiness, etc.  Once again, it is important to familiarize yourself with individual course attendance requirements via the syllabus and by communicating with your instructor.

Finally, you can find the official university attendance policy here.

• Your Academic Advisor (appointments available online): Your advisor is a great primary resource to help you with one-on-one academic coaching, registration planning, long-term planning, and much more.  Moreover, your advisor can act as a “point of contact” resource on campus to put you in touch with offices, personnel, and programs on campus that can be of assistance to you.
• Tutoring (available online): You can book a tutor in a number of disciplines across campus through the Tutoring Center.  These sessions are one-on-one and are provided free of cost to students.  Click here to book an appointment.
• The Writing Center available online).  The Writing Center is available for consultations and appointments to assist students with a wide variety of writing types across a broad spectrum of disciplines.  Whether you are just beginning or putting the finishing touches on a project, the Writing Center can assist.  Click here to book an appointment.
• Research Assistance: Pickler Memorial Library offers research assistance across campus disciplines.  From walk-in help to one-on-one sessions campus librarians are here to help you with your research needs.  Click here to choose the research assistance that is right for you.

Yes! Our Learning Technologies team is the spear-point for Truman’s online learning efforts.  In addition to training faculty in staff in online best practices, they offer assistance and tips for students as well.  Please take a moment to visit their Learning Online @Truman portal for more information.