Online courses are flexible, convenient, interactive, and allow you to work around other commitments, but methods of instruction can vary from one online course to another.
Here is a quick overview of the types of online courses you can register for at UFV.
Blended
Blended courses are delivered using a mix of in-person and online learning activities — either through asynchronous or synchronous instruction. Meeting times are listed in the schedule of classes. Course materials are provided in-class and on Blackboard.
Hyflex (Flexible learning)
You can choose to attend sessions in the classroom, participate online, or do both. With hyflex courses, you are able to change your mode of attendance weekly or by topic.
Online only (asynchronous)
A learner-centred approach, delivered online with no meeting times; you get to learn independently and at your own pace, with the support of your professor.
Professors provide you with course materials that can be accessed at any time via Blackboard. Any tests and exams are done remotely as well.
Online with scheduled meeting times (Synchronous)
Online synchronous courses are delivered online through remote means but include regularly scheduled meeting times; you get to learn in real-time and in collaboration with your peers.
Professors provide course materials and schedule lectures via Blackboard. Dates, days and times of scheduled online learning activities are clearly listed in the schedule of classes.
UFV formats and delivers its online courses through a learning management system called Blackboard Learn and a video conferencing tool called Collaborate Ultra. UFV faculty also use a variety of course software applications to supplement their courses.
Visit Teaching and Learning for a list of their popular tech tools and apps.
Starting university is a new experience. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help reduce some of your fears and make your semester easier, more enjoyable and successful.
Join UFV Student Ambassadors — Claire, Jofson and Kylie — as they tell you how to participate in online classes, how to manage your time while learning remotely, and where to get the support you need, when you need it.
Links from video: course timetables | guide to studying an online course | Academic Success Centre
Watch Vaibhav Kharbuanda, Student Peer Tutor with ASC, offering a few tips to get you on your way to a successful semester. And if the video isn't enough, you can book a one-on-one appointment with a peer tutor to get an introduction to online learning at UFV.
We've put together some resources to get you started on the right track. Find technology and tools to help you make the most of your studies, watch video tutorials, download an online learning technical requirement checklist, and access various academic resources for successful online learning.
View your online education toolkit
The only way I could complete a Bachelor’s degree was by taking online classes. This gave me the flexibility to stay at work and to complete the requirements of the course at home.
If this is your first time in online studies, get to know your instructor and the other students using the discussion forums. One of the best things I did was to include group chats for group projects—we created bonds that lasted throughout the program.
