Bimodal Classrooms
These classrooms allow instructors to teach students online and in-person at the same time.
What is bimodal teaching?
Everyone participates in a single synchronous (live) class session: the professor and a portion of students participate inperson while the remainder of students participate remotely. This is what is referred to as a bimodal classroom because it allows faculty to make teaching and learning possible by combining two groups of learners. Students can attend class in-person when on campus, or they can attend virtually online via Zoom when located remotely.
Note: Questions concerning faculty decisions related to in-person or remote online teaching should be directed to department chairs.
Flexible schedules for bimodal teaching
Beyond the typical on-campus class schedule, you may choose another schedule for your course. Here are some examples of course schedules you could adopt:
Variation A
Students participate in bimodal learning every other week and in fully-remote synchronous on alternate weeks.
Variation B
Students participate in bimodal learning every other week and work asynchronously on alternate weeks.
Variation C
Students participate in bimodal learning for part of the classtime (e.g., 1.5 hours out of a 3-hour class) and work asynchronously for rest of the classtime.
Variation D
Students participate in bimodal learning for a few consecutive classes and then work asynchronously for a few classes, alternating bimodal and asynchronous cycles.
Note: synchronous = live & scheduled; asynchronous = on their own time within a designated timeframe
The four categories of bimodal classrooms
Basic Classroom
Desktop PC and overhead projector.
Web Conferencing Classroom
Desktop PC, overhead projector, microphone and camera.
Basic Plus Classroom
Desktop PC, overhead projector, and a microphone.
Mobile Classroom Kit
Desktop PC, microphone, camera, and overhead projector for use in any classroom space as required.
Concordia's new bimodal classrooms
Concordia’s new bimodal classrooms are specially equipped with desktop computers, microphones, cameras and overhead projectors. Instructors can connect to Moodle, Zoom, YuJa and Office 365 including Teams using the standard campus desktop login. The technology has been configured to allow for quick, easy and convenient setup at the start of each class.
Classroom type user guide - Part 1 of 2
How to use a bimodal classroom
Watch the video and follow the steps to use the technology available in the bimodal classrooms.
Classroom type user guide - Part 2 of 2
