Student Success Central

Understanding Your Course Instruction Modes

Courses at Cal Poly Pomona are offered in a variety of formats called instruction modes. It's important that you understand the instruction mode for your courses so you know what to expect. 

Step 1: Finding the Instruction Mode

Click on the Class or Section hyperlink for the section you’re interested in. 

Click on your Student Center’s weekly schedule. Toggle to the List View, and then click on the hyperlinked section number.

Face-to-Face Mode

Face-to-Face

A class that meets face-to-face on campus and/or off-campus. You are required to meet during the specified day(s) and time(s). Your syllabus, grades, and class materials may be posted online.

Online Modes

Fully Synchronous

A class that is instructed fully online at specified day(s) and time(s). You are not required to be on campus.

Fully Asynchronous

A fully online class that allows you to view instructional materials at any time. There won’t be specific days and times for you to log in, so you should build time for the class into your schedule.

Bisynchronous

A class that is instructed fully online with both specified meeting day(s)/ time(s) and TBA meetings. You are required to meet online during the specified days(s) and time(s), with the rest of the class instruction delivered asynchronously.

Hybrid Modes

Hybrid Synchronous

You are required to meet during the specified day(s) and time(s). Some meetings will be on campus and some will be online.

Hybrid Asynchronous

You are required to meet on campus during the specified day(s) and time(s), with the rest of the class instruction delivered asynchronously.

HyFlex

For each meeting you will have the option to attend face-to-face, synchronously, or asynchronously. Your instructor may require a few in-person course meetings throughout the term.

Comparison Chart

Mode

How and When

Face-to-Face

In-person at set times
Fully Asynchronous Online at any time
Fully Synchronous Online at set times
Bisynchronous Online combination of any time and set times
Hybrid-Asynchronous Combination of in-person and asynchronous 
Hybrid-Synchronous Combination of in-person and synchronous
HyFlex Choice of in-person, synchronous and asynchronous