Web-Enhance Your Course

An online course is one in which learners access primary content and instruction using a variety of tools including email, chat, discussion boards, web pages, and multimedia technologies. Specific technologies employed will vary by course and instructor. Depending on the teaching style of the instructor and the course content, instruction can take place synchronously (all participants in the course log in at the same time) or asynchronously (participants log in and participate as their schedule permits), or some combination of the above. UNM's accrediting agency, the Higher Learning Commission of NCA, stresses the importance of a dynamic and interactive learning environment-- between students and between students and faculty-- regardless of the setting in which it occurs. Email, telephone office hours, chat rooms, and web-based threaded discussions are some of the technologies that help facilitate interaction.

According to New Mexico Higher Education Department (HED) requirements, at least 75% of the course occurs online, while 25% or less employs other delivery methods, including face-to-face contact.

UNM online courses are not open-ended and have set start and end dates. Most follow 8- and 16-week formats with learning activities scheduled on a weekly basis, and include a special fee. UNM Extended University supported online courses are modeled to follow the Best Practices for Electronically Offered Degree and Certificate Programs developed by the Council of Regional Accrediting Commissions

A hybrid course is a blend of face-to-face instruction with online learning using UNM's official learning management system. Hybrid courses move about half of course learning online and, as a result, reduce the amount of classroom seat time. The online portion of the instruction is delivered to the learner using a variety of tools including email, chat, discussion boards, web pages, and multimedia technologies. Specific technologies employed will vary by course and instructor. Class meeting time is reduced by the material covered is equivalent to a normal full-time class delivery for the same number of credits.

A web-enhanced course is a traditional face-to-face course that uses UNM's official learning management system to expand student learning beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Examples of this include: posting of syllabi and course materials, creation of asynchronous discussions, usage of online quizzes, grade books, communication, and assignment submission tools. The usage of these tools is used to supplement instruction, and does not reduce seat time.