First, understand that regardless of the exact set-up or label, you'll still have particular due dates and deadlines for assignments. These classes still follow the duration of the semester, and you need to stay on top of the work according to whatever schedule the professor has designed. This is true for online and for face-to-face courses!

Online Asynchronous 

Asynchronous = not happening at the same time. This is the usual experience with online courses (back in normal times). You can choose what time of day you access course materials (or even what day of the week), so long as you're keeping up with due dates. 

Some faculty in this type of class may schedule optional, live web meetings -- but they should be providing a recording for those who can't attend at that time to still get the same content.

It is absolutely critical that you be able to manage your time in order to be successful in this type of class! You'll have to pay attention to assignment dates and figure out when you need to go through each week's materials. Discussion board posts may have a few days for you to make an original post, and another few days to comment on classmates' posts, and then that's it for the week.

• Benefit: flexibility. If your other obligations or personal habits mean you like working at 3 a.m., no problem.

What an Asynchronous Class Sounds Like:

• Make a post on a discussion board and reply to two classmates by [date]
• Take a quiz/test by [date]
• Do a research project and submit the paper by [date]
• "I'll be hosting a Webex tonight at 6 if you can make it! The recording will be posted to D2L by tomorrow."

Online Synchronous

Synchronous = happening at the same time. These online classes are more like face-to-face courses in that you'll be expected to log in for (attend) live class sessions with your instructor and classmates at set times and day(s) of the week, every week of the semester.

In addition to those meeting times, you will also need to do study or do homework to meet the goals of the class. You will still need time management skills to accomplish these things, but you're not quite as left to your own devices on timing.

• Benefits: connection, time management. You're attending class virtually and able to ask or answer questions with real, live human beings. If you're not great at keeping your own schedule, these classes force you to show up at a particular time, which adds some structure to your life.

What a Synchronous Class Sounds Like:

• "Our next class meeting is Thursday at 11 a.m.! Come prepared to discuss this week's readings."
• "Our regular meeting is cancelled so I can meet with groups to discuss your projects with you. Sign up for a 15-minute time slot during our regular meeting time."
• "No class meeting tonight! I lost internet. See you next class instead. Don't forget the assignment."
• Plus the asynchronous: complete [an assignment] by [date]

Hybrid

A hybrid class is a blend of both formats: you'll meet both in-person at set, consistent times, but less often than a fully face-to-face class. The rest of the time, you'll complete activities online (probably asynchronous but double-check).

• Benefits: best of both worlds -- or at least a good compromise. You get to see and meet your prof and classmates (it can be easier to casually ask questions, or even just to meet people), but you don't have as many set meeting dates, giving you greater flexibility in your schedule.

What a Hybrid Class Sounds Like:

• "Great class today! Remember for Wednesday to post to the discussion board in D2L, and I'll see you all here next week!"