What are Hybrid Courses?
Hybrid courses are defined by CCS as instruction that takes place in both on-ground and online environments. There are many nuanced definitions for what constitutes a Hybrid course, but the main theme is that there is a substitution of on-ground face-to-face (F2F) instruction for equivalent online materials. Ideally, Hybrid learning blends the best of both on-ground and online instruction.
Task: Video review
Watch this short video on Stephanie Moore's insights to Hybrid or blended learning.
Self Check: What was Stephanie's primary reason for using an LMS? Click to check your answer.
Automate content delivery to make on-ground experiences more flexible
Reduce instructor fatigue by reducing time grading
Host the recording of on-ground lectures for those that did not attend
What are some examples?
There is a lot of variety in how Hybrid courses can be administered. You may hear them described as blended learning or courses designed under a flipped classroom model. Regardless of title, as long as an instructor is utilizing both distance learning and F2F to achieve learning objectives then it falls under Hybrid learning.
Instructors can use their creativity when determining what balance of online and F2F interaction is best for them and their students, and what those interactions may look like.
For example, listed below are some ways a Hybrid course could be designed:
Faculty replace two classes each week with an online discussion opportunity following an asynchronous lecture.
The instructor replaces the weekly orientation session to their physical labs with online modules prepping students for the tasks they need to complete. Students can complete the orientation module at any time before coming to lab.
Lecture time is replaced with students watching an introductory video prior to class outlining their group project for the week. Class time is devoted to working on that project with instructor feedback and support.
Why design a Hybrid Course?
The goal of Hybrid course design is to reduce the amount of time passively in a seat. The more you can off-load content delivery to an online resource and still meet your objectives, the more can focus F2F interactions towards activities like group review sessions, community learning, or hands on lab or field work.
Additional reading:
For further examples of how a course can be designed for Hybrid learning, take a look at EDUCAUSE's 6 Models for Blended Course Delivery Links to an external site.. When it comes to building a course in Canvas, view this example hybrid course tour Links to an external site. from a Canvas Community Coach that can be helpful for visualizing a Hybrid structure in Canvas. The video is from a Canvas Forum on using Canvas for Hybrid learning Links to an external site. which can be helpful for those looking for an outside perspective.