Hybrid courses include a mixture of mandatory in-person and online activities.
In hybrid courses, the relative balance of online and in-person learning activities may vary as designed by the instructor. Generally speaking, online activities contribute to a significant fraction of the total credit value or credit hours (at least ~20%), reducing in-person time. Online activities in hybrid courses may be either synchronous, asynchronous or combined.
At Arts ISIT, we provide resources, tool support and consultation for creating hybrid courses tailored to your teaching needs.
Overview
Unlike multi-access courses, hybrid designated courses typically do not require live-streaming class sessions where both in-person and remote students attend simultaneously. Live streaming may be an option along with lecture recording where the instructor wants to provide accommodation for students who need to be temporarily remote for in-person sessions.
Studies indicate that increased flexibility and learner control in blended courses is especially beneficial for higher-achieving students or students with stronger self-regulation skills. However, many students with less strongly developed self-directed learning skills may experience more challenges with increased flexibility (Owston et al., 2013).
Providing support at the start of the course regarding the course schedule, expectations and guidance for success, along with early check-ins, is essential to help all students manage their learning effectively in hybrid courses.
Examples
Here are a few examples of how you could deliver hybrid courses:
- A class that meets once or twice a week in person and then has either one online synchronous class session using Zoom or asynchronous online activities that students complete independently.
- A class that meets once a week in person has one online synchronous session and one scheduled session where students use the time to work online in small groups on collaborative projects.
- A class that has online lectures (synchronous or asynchronous) but requires students to meet in person for lab, studio or certain major assessment activities.
Explore how some of your peers have approached hybrid course delivery.