Experiences With A Hybrid Class: Tips And Pitfalls

Abstract

This paper will discuss the authors experiences with converting a traditional classroom-based course to a hybrid class, using a mix of traditional class time and web-support. The course which was converted is a lower-level human relations class, which has been offered in both the traditional classroom-based setting and as an asynchronous online course. After approximately five years of offering the two formats independently, the author decided to experiment with improving the traditional course by adopting more of the web-based support and incorporating more research and written assignments in out of class time. The course has evolved into approximately 60% traditional classroom meetings and 40% assignments and other assessments out of class. The instructors assessment of the hybrid nature of the class is that students are more challenged by the mix of research and writing assignments with traditional assessments, and the assignments are structured in such a way as to make them more customizable for each student. Each student can find some topics that they are interested in to pursue in greater depth as research assignments. However, the hybrid nature of the class has resulted in an increased workload for the instructor. The course has been well received by the students, who have indicated that they find the hybrid format appealing.