AIU ODeL Glossary

Self-paced instruction allows you to determine your schedule. See also: Instructor-Led Classes. 

A “semester” system (from the Latin meaning “six-monthly”) divides the academic year into two terms, which are usually 14-20 weeks each. Some schools follow a trimester (three terms a year) or even a quadmester (four terms a year) schedule. See also: Academic Term. 

See: Academic Term. 

A video, voice and instant messaging software application to communicate with people over the internet. 

Upon acceptance into a program and beginning his or her first course, the student will be assigned a specific success coach that will be their main resource throughout their time in the program. The success coach assists with course planning, scheduling, etc., until the student graduates. 

In Synchronous learning, the learning experience takes place in real time, although not always in the same place (as by Skype or webinar, for instance). Even in asynchronous courses, instructors may include synchronous components, such as weekly meetings.