Distance Education Delivery at YTI Career Institute
There are multiple components to the delivery of education in an online format.
Synchronous Learning:
This is distance learning happening in real time, live, using conferencing applications or software. Learners login at a designated time and participate in live demonstrations and lecture at the same time as the instructor. At YTI Career Institute, all fully Online and Hybrid programs schedule synchronous sessions during the first week of the term and periodically throughout the course for question and answer periods and exam review. Sessions are recorded so all students have access to the material regardless of whether or not they attend the live session. These occasional, synchronous meetings for most programs are intermixed with the primarily asynchronous learning.
Asynchronous Learning:
This type of learning occurs when a course is delivered through an online format without live instruction. All fully Online and Hybrid programs deliver lecture material primarily in an asynchronous fashion. Faculty post a weekly announcement to guide learners through their course objectives, and each assignment has a designated due date. Assignments are usually due on a weekly basis, with the week running Monday through Sunday, and assignment for the week due by 11:59 pm on Sunday. Learners login at their convenience and have the flexibility to attend class at any time; access to course materials is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, through the school’s Learning Management System (LMS), Canvas. A syllabus is provided which outlines the learning objectives to be accomplished for the course. Weekly discussion boards, where students interact with the instructor and their classmates on designated topics, ensure that learners are examining the necessary subject matter and help to facilitate conversation, foster collaboration, and assist in developing high order thinking to better prepare learners for the demands of their career choice. Faculty post available office hours, so learners can reach out for assistance with course content and materials and can schedule appointments for tutoring or additional educational support. Instructors monitor each learner’s progress through the online environment, and contact students to offer additional assistance, when it appears needed.
Fully Online Delivery:
The Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CADD), Medical Billing and Coding (MBC), Computer and Data Management (CDM), Cybersecurity, and Entrepreneurship programs are offered 100% through distance education. All courses are primarily asynchronous (with the occasional synchronous meeting as described above) and lab requirements are met through a combination of recorded demonstration and simulation activities. These programs offer learners the highest level of flexibility while ensuring that the necessary skills set is developed through the close collaboration and mentoring of faculty who have spent years in the industry.
Blended Delivery:
All programs other than CADD, CDM, CYB, MA(AST), MA(diploma), MBC, Diesel, and Plumbing are delivered in a blended format (“Blended Learning”), with lecture and other didactic activities delivered online, labs delivered on-campus and Externships or Clinical rotations delivered off-campus at approved sites. The Respiratory Therapy (RT) program delivers all lecture online, with lab occurring on campus or clinical sites, and Clinical Rotations occurring off campus. The Veterinary Technician (VT) program delivers all lecture and lab components online, with Clinical Externships occurring off campus
Some COURSES within a hybrid program may be delivered fully online, while other courses combine on-campus labs with online lecture material. All lecture delivery is primarily asynchronous. Synchronous sessions may be scheduled, but are recorded so that students who are not available at the designated times can later watch the recording and benefit from the information shared during the synchronous meeting or review session.
For all programs except RT and VT, labs are scheduled on-campus and attendance is required. Lab schedules are provided prior to each term start and may vary by program, by course and by term within a program.
These hybrid courses require students to manage their time and complete their online work in a timely fashion, so as to be prepared for their hands-on lab experience. While the asynchronous portion of the course is available 24/7, students should plan and structure their time to ensure that they are prepared for lab and have reviewed all necessary content to make the most of their laboratory experience. Scheduled labs facilitate hands-on learning and give students the opportunity to put into practice the lessons they have been studying in the online environment. Practical application of a learned skill is an important part of preparing for a successful career and the hybrid programs offer training in industry modeled laboratories allowing learners the opportunity to develop, practice, and master the required skills expected for an entry level position. Externship and clinical assignments are conducted in person, off-campus, at an approved clinical or externship site.
Student Support in Distance Education Programs
Academic Advising:
For general academic questions regarding schedules, shifts, labs or leaves of absence, students should contact their Campus Director of Operations and Education via the links in Canvas.
Course Assistance:
For content questions or extra help sessions, students should contact their instructor via the instructor page in the course in the Canvas LMS. Students should take note of their instructor’s office hours and plan their studies accordingly. “Night Owls” who like to do their school work while others sleep, should not leave new material until midnight the day it is due, as that does not give an instructor with office hours from 10-1 and 6-9 sufficient time to respond prior to the work needing to be submitted.
Financial Issues:
Students who experience a change in their financial situation should contact the Educational Funding department via the links in the Canvas LMS.
Learning Resource Center:
For information on library services, study skills, tutoring and other general educational support tips students should access the LRC page through the Student Services course in the Canvas LMS.
Student Services:
Students should access the Student Services course in Canvas for information on student support services including resources regarding child care, housing, food pantries, shelters, transportation and other issues impacting the student’s ability to manage their coursework.
Technical Difficulties:
Students should contact the student helpdesk using the instructions in the Student Support Guide handout which came with their laptop, or in the Technical Support page of the Canvas LMS, for any difficulties accessing or using the LMS.
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