Hybrid Course Tips

One of the most common errors instructors planning a hybrid course have made is to approach the process thinking they'll design a face-to-face course with online components. A better way is to design a fully online course that offers students the benefit of two hours a week of face time with you, their instructor. This way, the course can be designed so challenging activities, those that require higher cognitive behaviors, take place in the classroom under your guidance.

Hybrid Course Checklist:

• 2-4 hours of seat-time replacement

  The online portion of the class is more than a homework site or repository. Online lessons (lecture, videos, and graphical analyses) substitute for classroom instruction and activities. Additionally, the LMS offers tools for collaborative and independent activities as well as for submitting coursework.

• Clear syllabus, schedule and unit structure

  Syllabus and schedule should map online and f2f activities. Schedule includes weekly units by topic and associated activities and assessments.

• All evaluation available through LMS

  Avoid physically collecting assignments or coursework and scheduling f2f assessments. Students should submit everything in the LMS. If it's important to hand in a document or project, ask students to also submit an electronic version to the LMS.

• Optimized Learning/Activity Schedule

  Time your assessments and activities to make the most of f2f time. Establish and assess learning prior to meeting. Use class time for higher-order learning activities (analysis, evaluation, creation, synthesis) in team or group formats under your the direction.

• Use one LMS

  Students are easily confused by multiple LMSs. If you can, stick to one. When the publisher site is critical to instruction, include links to the site, and if possible, integrate modules and grade books. (Online Learning can help.)

---