Imparting Knowledge through the internet
Southwest Offers Several Delivery Methods
Asynchronous
Learning that does not require real-time interaction; instead, content is available online for students to access when it best suits their schedules, and assignments are completed by the required deadline. Asynchronous learning offers flexibility and is basically defined as “anytime and anywhere” learning.
Synchronous
Online learning that happens in real time, often with a set class schedule and required login times using live streaming video and/or audio with instantaneous feedback.
Polysynchronous Course
A course in which both synchronous and asynchronous activity occurs. Teaching and learning involves the use of virtual conferencing technologies to enable remote, synchronous, face-to-face interaction for students and faculty to simultaneously participate in live classes/lectures that include defined virtual class meeting times. Asynchronous portions of the course mimic hybrid course.
For each of the course types listed below, students access the courses via the Internet by logging into the course site (PAWS).
Online Courses
An online course is conducted via the Internet with no on-campus instruction and no on-campus classroom time, but may utilize online or proctored testing. Students access course material online and follow instructions provided by an instructor. Courses may be structured so that students work independently or may involve significant interaction among students. Most courses have set schedules and due dates. Southwest online courses are identified by a section beginning with 'L'
(Example: ACAD-1100-L01).
If your online course has a section beginning with 'R', it is an TN eCampus course. See the TN eCampus information below.
Hybrid Courses
A hybrid course is a blend of face-to-face instruction with online learning. A course that utilizes the learning management system to reduce the number or time of traditional, on-campus meetings. No more than 50% of the meeting time can take place in a virtual setting. Hybrid courses carefully combine synchronous and asynchronous learning to carefully integrate online components with face-to-face interactions. This allows coursework to be scheduled flexibly, promotes independent learning and decreases time spent commuting. Southwest hybrid courses are identified by a section that includes 'H' (Example: ACCT-1010-1H1).
In Classroom/Conventional (Web-assisted) Course
Conventional classroom courses utilizes significant online technologies to enhance student learning but do not utilize the web-based technology to supplant on-campus class meetings. Course assignments outside of class may require the use of the web. This method utilizes traditional classroom learning with two-way communication between instructors and students, and also allows interpersonal relationships between instructors and students. Learning takes place within a classroom setting, and uses materials and ideas to create a beneficial learning experience. Any "In Classroom" course can be web-assisted.
FLEX Courses
A Flex (Faster Learning Experience) course starts later in the semester than a traditional course. Flex courses are offered in traditional, online and hybrid formats.
TN eCampus Courses
Southwest is a participant in the statewide TN eCampus partnership among all Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) institutions and the six locally governed state universities. All the institutions are fully accredited. Courses completed in the TN eCampus Program are entirely online and transferable among all the participating institutions. Students are able to choose the college or university (home school) for their admission, registration, and the award of their degree.
Course sections are designated with an 'R' (Example: GEOG-2010-R50). Course fees and schedules vary, so be sure to check for current information.
Your TN eCampus Student Liaison for Southwest is:
Karla Blume Shalaby
tn-ecampus@southwest.tn.edu
(901) 333-4073
Go to https://online.southwest.tn.edu/tnecampus.html for more Southwest TN eCampus information.