IBS Terminology: Course vs Class

IBS 2.7 > Student Functions

It is important to understand the difference between a course and a class, as they are not synonymous. In IBS terminology:

• A course refers to the content to be taught; it is the intellectual property without respect to format or media. Each course is in a specific language; a translation into a new language is a new course. 
• A class is a single instance of an interactive course.
• For an online facilitated class (ONFAC), the facilitator specifies an enrollment period and the beginning and ending dates of the class. A facilitated class has a specific group of enrolled students who interact with each other and with the facilitator via class discussions (forums).
• For an online independent study course (ONIS), the class is available continuously and students may enroll at any time and study it at their convenience.
• Classes can also be taken in offline independent study (OFIS) mode.