Synchronous Choice is a hybrid course modality that gives students the flexibility to choose whether to attend class sessions in-person or online — at the same time. This teaching format offers the best of both worlds: the personal interaction of traditional in-person classes combined with the flexibility of online learning. Students registering for this modality will expect to have the option of engaging in most class activities either in-person or synchronously online. This guide shares the benefits, approval process, and best practices specific to this modality.
Why teach Synchronous Choice?
- Expand your audience (and enrollment!): Since students can attend class either in-person or online—depending on their needs, location, or schedule—this means that both on-campus and distance students can take this course. For in-person classes that are at risk of low enrollment, this is a great opportunity to open your course up to a broader audience.
- Real-time interaction: Synchronous classes have more opportunities for interaction, especially unplanned interaction. Students can get immediate responses to questions, receive feedback, connect before and after class, and chat with the instructor and their peers.
- Real-world application: Many industries have embraced Synchronous Choice and other hybrid modalities for trainings, meetings, and professional interactions. When students have the opportunity to work with others online and in-person–and see how their instructor navigates this learning experience–it can help them develop valuable digital literacy skills.
Course Approval Process
Synchronous Choice is considered a distance course, so it undergoes the Distance Course Development approval process. Throughout this process, the course developer can collaborate with an instructional designer. One of our instructional designers, as well as department leaders, will review the full course, including content, assessments, and learning activities.
At Marshall University, all our distance faculty are certified and courses are approved through the H.O.M.E. (Humanistic Online Model for Engagement) Framework. Our Best Practices in Online Teaching and Learning library includes several resources that support H.O.M.E., many created by Marshall faculty and instructional designers. See our H.O.M.E. events page to register for a certification course.
Best Practices for Sync Choice
Communicate Expectations: In your syllabus, specify the options for attending synchronous sessions, whether in-person or online. Include technology requirements for online attendance, such as the need for a webcam. Develop clear participation guidelines that apply to both in-person and online students. For instance, if the course is discussion-based, inform students that everyone is expected to contribute, regardless of their attendance mode. Clarify whether online students need to have their webcams on. Additionally, if you plan to record classes, notify students in advance.
Post the link to Teams (or other video conference tool) in a prominent place, such as in the Start Here folder, and let students know what to expect the first time they join. Anticipate that some of your students have never used Teams or other video conferencing tools and may need more guidance.
Put all assessments, handouts, and activities in Blackboard so that all students have access to them. Explore our other Smooth Semester Tips.
Not sure how to start? Request the Design Center’s Synchronous Choice course template at onlinelearning@marshall.edu.
Active Monitoring: It can be challenging to actively keep an eye on both the in-person and Teams classroom, so share your plan for monitoring early on. Explain how you will monitor the chat (“I will pause and check periodically for questions” or “I’m designating this student to let me know when questions come up”). Let online students know if you have preferences for how they engage, such as using the raised-hand feature on Teams.
Facilitate Discussion: Alternate between addressing in-person students and online students to ensure that both groups feel acknowledged. Ask specific students in both environments questions to create a balanced dialogue.
Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI): In addition to meaningful synchronous interaction, sync choice instructors should plan to offer regular feedback and reach out to students who are not engaging. Learn more about RSI guidelines here.
Breakout Rooms: Breakout rooms for small group collaboration can help students feel more comfortable interacting in both settings. Consider mixing in-person and online students in each group to foster cross-environment communication.
Multiple Modes of Participation: Structure discussions so students have different ways to participate–through speaking, chatting, sharing in small groups, or responding to live polls. Discover other ideas for Engaging Students, such as gamification, alternative discussion boards, and group projects.
Try new tools: You don’t need to be an expert in edtech tools before using them. Instead, explain to students why you’re trying the new tool and invite their feedback. This approach models continuous learning and fosters a culture of experimentation.
Practice Using Equipment in Advance: Test all your tech equipment (microphones, cameras, projects, etc.) before class to avoid technical issues. Practice using Teams and recording so that you feel comfortable. Always have a backup plan in place in case the equipment does not run as expected. Visit our Microsoft Teams page for tutorials and FAQs.
Call T.E.C.I. (Technology Enhanced Classroom Initiative): At Marshall, our designated T.E.C.I. team supports our technology-enhanced classrooms. If you run into an issue or have a question, look for the green T.E.C.I. sign in the classroom and call the number.
Provide Tech Support: Make sure students have access to troubleshooting resources and Marshall University IT in case they encounter technical difficulties as well. Consider offering a brief tutorial to help them feel more confident with new technology.
Faculty Spotlight
Anke Duerr-McCown, German Instructor at Marshall University, shares her experience teaching Synchronous Choice and offers advice to instructors.
Classroom Tech Tour
Ryan Adkins of the T.E.C.I. team demonstrates classroom technology that Marshall instructors can use to support Synchronous Choice classes. See the full T.E.C.I. Classroom Suite here.