·         Traditional/face-to-face – Course with no technology used; content is delivered in writing or orally.

Traditional, face-to-face instruction is the oldest and most familiar teaching model, relying on in-person interactions without the use of educational technology. Content is delivered orally through lectures, discussions, and demonstrations, or in writing through handouts and textbooks. This format excels in its immediacy of communication, allowing students to ask questions, receive instant clarification, and engage in spontaneous discussions that deepen understanding. Instructors can also adapt their teaching based on students’ verbal and nonverbal cues, fostering personal connections and a sense of community. However, the lack of technological integration can limit flexibility and accessibility. Students who miss class may struggle to catch up, and without digital resources, learning depends heavily on notetaking and memory retention, which may not suit all learning styles. While traditional instruction remains effective for engagement and interpersonal skill development, its limitations suggest it can benefit from integrating modern tools to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners.

·         Web facilitated – Course that uses Web-based technology to facilitate what is essentially a face-to-face course.

Web-facilitated courses blend traditional face-to-face instruction with supplemental web-based technology, using tools such as learning management systems, online discussion boards, and digital resources to enhance in-person learning. While the core delivery still occurs in the physical classroom, technology extends learning beyond scheduled sessions, providing students with greater access to materials, opportunities for asynchronous discussion, and supplementary multimedia content. This approach allows instructors to post announcements, share resources, and collect assignments online, improving communication and organization. However, because online elements remain secondary, the model’s effectiveness depends on how intentionally these tools are integrated; when poorly implemented, they can become underused add-ons rather than meaningful extensions of learning. Ultimately, a well-designed web-facilitated course can bridge the gap between traditional and fully online formats, offering flexibility and enriched engagement while maintaining the interpersonal benefits of in-person instruction.

·         Blended/hybrid – Course that blends online and face-to-face delivery.

Blended or hybrid courses strategically combine online and face-to-face delivery, aiming to leverage the strengths of both formats to create a more flexible and engaging learning experience. In this model, significant portions of content, interaction, and assessment occur online, while in-person sessions are reserved for activities that benefit most from direct interaction, such as discussions, labs, or collaborative projects. This approach allows students to engage with materials at their own pace online while still benefiting from real-time clarification and community building in the classroom. When well-structured, blended learning promotes deeper understanding through varied instructional methods, fosters independent learning skills, and can make more efficient use of classroom time. However, its success depends on intentional course design and clear alignment between online and in-person components; without careful integration, the two formats risk feeling disjointed rather than complementary.

·         Online – A course where most or all of the content is delivered online.

An online course delivers most or all content through digital platforms, allowing students to access learning materials, participate in discussions, and complete assessments from virtually anywhere. This format offers unmatched flexibility, making education more accessible to diverse learners, including those balancing work, family, or geographic constraints. Effective online courses typically incorporate multimedia resources, interactive tools, and asynchronous as well as synchronous communication to foster engagement and community. However, the absence of face-to-face interaction can present challenges in maintaining motivation, ensuring timely feedback, and building strong instructor-student relationships. Success in an online environment depends heavily on purposeful instructional design, clear communication, and robust support systems that address both the academic and social aspects of learning. When these elements are in place, online courses can provide rich, personalized, and highly adaptable educational experiences.

References

Boettcher, J. V., & Conrad, R.-M. (2010). The Online Teaching Survival Guide. 9. Retrieved from https://research-ebsco-com.postu.idm.oclc.org/c/ickcqy/ebook-viewer/pdf/4yvgyrsmd5/page/pp_C1?location=https%25253A%25252F%25252Fresearch-ebsco-com.postu.idm.oclc.org%25252Fc%25252Fickcqy%25252Fsearch%25252Fdetails%25252F4yvgyrsmd5%25253Fdb%25253Dnlebk