What Are Hybrid Classes?
While going through our Part-Time Continuing Studies course catalog, you'll see that there are a number of different options available. Some courses are taught entirely online, while others are traditional and in-person only. Finally, there are courses that are listed as "hybrid."
What are these hybrid courses? How do they work? What types of students will they work best for? We'll answer all of those questions and more here, as a simple introduction to these new, flexible courses.
Combing the Best of Both Worlds
To put it simply, a hybrid course merges the best of both worlds. Some parts of the course (often at the beginning and end, although the schedule depends on the professor) are taught in-person in a traditional class setting. For these parts of the class, students go to lectures on campus, interact with their fellow learners, and turn in some required and scheduled assignments. Other portions of the course (such as the middle weeks, but again, this is up to the professor) take place entirely online. These weeks are full of online activities and embedded course materials that must be completed, such as recorded video lectures and specific readings.
In-Person Lectures and Interaction
The in-person portion of the hybrid classes closely resembles that of a traditional class. Students need to be in a specific room at a certain hour in order to attend the lecture. The professor will arrive in person and will then lecture about the course materials, usually with the assistance of a PowerPoint presentation. Students are allowed to ask questions before, during, and after the course, as well as interact with each other to complete activities or discuss the material. These in-person segments are limited however, as part of the course also takes place online.
Online Activities and Learning
For the remaining weeks of the hybrid classes, or however the schedule is set up, students don't need to go to a physical classroom. Instead, they spend their time learning online. The online course structure has modules or weeks built into it to make it easy to follow along with the syllabus, ensuring that students are covering the right material at the correct time. These modules include things like online lectures, assignment drop boxes, discussion boards, quizzes, readings, and more, that go along with what the student will be learning that particular week. The hybrid format makes it easy to learn on your own time during the online section of the course.
Who Should Take Hybrid Classes?
With that said, hybrid classes aren't for everyone. Some students prefer the in-person format, making it easier for them to learn directly while in a classroom. However, students that have a lot on their plates, such as adult learners who need to balance family activities and obligations along with a full-time job and school all at once, will benefit from the hybrid format. There's just enough structure to start things off right, while allowing the student to learn on their own time when necessary. It helps them balance everything.
Hybrid classes are a beautiful blend of in-person and online learning that allow for scheduling flexibility, which many adult students love. However, hybrid learning also requires solid time management abilities and organizational skills in order to succeed.
Wondering if hybrid classes are right for you? Request more information, today!