What is a Hybrid Course?

A hybrid course is a type of educational course in which two or more types of teaching or learning are employed in an attempt to take advantage of different technologies and teaching methods. It does not necessarily feature different learning styles, but instead focuses on the use of different ways a class can meet or teaching can occur. In this sense, it typically involves the use of technology, and often consists of work both inside the classroom and outside of class. A hybrid course usually involves meeting in a classroom to learn face-to-face from a teacher, while also working on coursework in a digital environment through electronic learning, or e-learning, and Internet resources.

One of the most common examples of a hybrid course would be a class that involved lessons learned and discussion in a classroom, combined with work done on a computer that utilizes e-learning tools and technology. For example, a humanities class could be taught as a hybrid course to take advantage of time spent learning outside of the classroom and using classroom time primarily for discussion and expansion of ideas. Such a class would likely include a website with a number of different tools, such as fully implemented lessons with video and audio supplements and discussion opportunities through bulletin boards.

With this type of hybrid course, for example, a student may be required to spend time outside of class preparing for the next week’s discussions regarding a unit on medieval literature. The student would use a computer and go onto a website for the class and view materials related to the unit. This could include video that uses images along with vocal narration from the teacher to present ideas and prepare the student for classroom discussion the following week. There may also be a bulletin board or forum for the class on the Internet allowing students to ask questions and have virtual conversations, thereby extending learning outside of the classroom.

Once in class for a hybrid course, the student would be expected to have viewed the materials on the Internet and then be able to participate in classroom discussions. This allows the teacher to effectively teach the material only once and then devote class time to explaining specific ideas or clearing up areas of confusion. Class time could also be spent on discussion between students and the instructor regarding what was viewed prior to attending class. Testing for a hybrid course can often occur in class, online, or a combination of both, depending on the preferences of the instructor.