Learning Environments

At SCPS, our typical students are working adults who seek to continue their education without sacrificing their commitments to their work and family.  In order to help our students achieve their educational goals while also maintaining their work/life balance, SCPS offers three different types of learning environments: Face-to-Face, Blended, and Online Learning.

Face-to-Face (In Person)

Face-to-Face learning refers to a traditional classroom setting. The instructor and the students meet in a place devoted to instruction, with regularly scheduled class times. These classes provide only face-to-face (F2F) instruction, and may include lectures, discussion, and seminar-style formats.

Blended (Hybrid)

Blended learning is the integration of face-to-face (F2F) learning with online instruction. F2F classes, as well as online class meetings are required. Some of the class materials, course activities, assignments, and discussions will be online.

Online (Web-Based)

Instruction in an online environment can occur synchronously, asynchronously, or both. You may also see this type of class referred to as web-based. Online courses at SCPS are not fully self-paced. There will be timelines and due dates for learning activities, including assignments, tests, quizzes, discussions, group projects, etc.

Synchronous vs Asynchronous

Synchronous learning takes place at designated times and involves an instructor and group of students meeting together in an online classroom. Asynchronous learning has no designated meeting time, which gives learners the flexibility to complete their coursework at a time and place that is convenient to them.

Please note: Asynchronous online courses at SCPS can sometimes include synchronous sessions. Instructors can require attendance for these sessions as long as the dates are listed in the course catalog. For synchronous class sessions whose dates do not appear in the course catalog, attendance is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory. These sessions can be recorded for students who are unable to attend.

Learn More About Online Learning at SCPS

Visit online-learning to view short videos about what to expect in your online courses at SCPS.