Hybrid Class

What are Hybrid or Blended courses?

      "Hybrid" or "Blended" are names commonly used to describe courses in which some traditional face-to-face "seat time" has been replaced by online learning activities. The purpose of a hybrid course is to take advantage of the best features of both face-to-face and online learning. A hybrid course is designed to integrate face-to-face and online activities so that they reinforce, complement, and elaborate one another, instead of treat

Advantages:

1. Flexibility for the students… and instructors

“Flexibility” ranked as a top benefit among both instructors and students. Instructors noted that this flexibility affords students “more freedom with schedule and assignments” and an “anywhere/anytime” learning experience.

Students also value the ability to work at their own pace. One said that a hybrid course “[allows] the student to move as quickly as they feel comfortable with, but lets them have the face-to-face with teacher and classmates.” In addition, “a student would learn self-pacing and self control, while also having classroom time to learn from a professor.”

2. The opportunity for face-to-face time

Many instructors of hybrid courses were quite enthusiastic about the opportunity to talk with and teach students in person, which they wouldn’t have in a fully online course. One wrote that the face-to-face time “…would decrease the isolation of 100% online and develop a better connection to the course.” Another noted that “[instructors] have an opportunity to meet with the students and answer all their questions, form relationships, and they can connect with each other.”

Instructors also appreciated that “students have an opportunity to meet and greet,” and that they can “…find time to come to class one day a week so they still get instruction and interaction with classmates!”

3. Increased interaction and community

Because of these face-to-face meetings, instructors and students in hybrid courses often see increased interaction and community within both the classroom and the LMS. One instructor noted, “I get more students to participate more regularly in online discussions because everyone is accountable to participate. Flipped classes allow for more interaction and collaborative learning when we meet in person because so much has taken place outside the classroom.” Instructors also commented that “students can ask questions while in class that they may not know how to articulate via email,” and wrote that, when the face-to-face portion of the class occurs, “…the teacher and students can interact, allowing students to better learn the material.”

4. Opportunities to present and learn course materials in a variety of engaging, motivating, and valuable ways

Within the hybrid course, instructors have the ability to deliver and expand the experience inside and outside of the class, “using technology for what it is best to do, and physical meetings for what they are best to do.” It promotes “greater use of seat time for active learning experiences.”

5. Students receive the “best of both worlds.”

Can you have it all in one course? Numerous instructors and students stated that hybrid courses can provide “the best of both worlds,” combining the benefits of fully on-ground courses with those of online courses.

One instructor wrote that the hybrid model “…combines the efficiency of an online course, with the personalization mostly possible face-to-face.” Another said that in hybrid courses, students receive “…electronic integration (tests, papers, discussions), but also can clarify concepts in person in real time and have real relationships and partnerships with their classmates and the instructor as real people, not just their names on a screen.”

Several noted the balance between instructor-led and student-led learning experiences. As one instructor put it: “My students love them. They get me and the ease of doing work at their pace.”

Disadvantages:

1. Time Management

Taking hybrid classes can be hard on some people because it requires time management on the online assignments. If you do not know how to do that, getting assignments done will be a hardy task. 

2. Computer and Internet Access 

Students with limited computer or Internet access will struggle. Those who do not have internet access will miss out with this great opportunity and will have to spend more money on in class classes.

3. Visual/ Physical Learning

Depending on your learning style, you may miss the instructor's body language and verbal or voice cues that can enhance communication. Very young students can often be unsure of how to deal with feelings of isolation encountered in the online environment.Some will miss the intellectual and social stimulation of on-campus classes that enables them to build friendships and to network.