Hybrid courses provide students with the opportunity to learn outside of the classroom, as well as within a classroom setting. Class sessions can occur either in the same classroom or using video conferencing to connect multiple campus locations. The number of times a class meets as a group can vary by course. For instance, some classes meet once a week for the entire semester, some meet every other week for the entire semester, and others only meet twice—at the beginning and the end of the semester. Class sessions should provide students with an environment where they are active participants in their learning, not passive listeners to lectures.
Course Syllabus
While it is always good practice to have a clear and detailed syllabus for a course, in a hybrid environment it is even more important to have one in place and available to students prior to the first class meeting. The syllabus serves as a roadmap for students. Each hybrid course could be different: course schedule (synchronicity, length, etc.), structure and technology. For this reason, a syllabus for a hybrid course will need to be more detailed and extensive than a syllabus for a traditional face-to-face course. For example, due to the online sessions requiring the use of technology, including the minimum technical requirements is critical.
By giving students access to the syllabus prior to the first class meeting, they can be better prepared for discussions around expectations of the course and that they have the technology resources needed for the hybrid course.
Items to Address
It is important that instructors address course expectations in the course syllabus, as well as during the first synchronous class meeting, and allow time for questions.
- Discuss the format of the hybrid course, including the schedule.
- Include the exact dates and times for synchronous class meetings (classroom and online)
- Discuss the amount of work that is required for the course and why.
- Walk through the technology and the course environment.
- Identify the required assignments and due dates and times.
- Identify best times and methods for students to communicate with the instructor and fellow students.
- Provide point-of-contact information for technical help, questions about the course, and academic support.
- Describe the protocol for cancelled classes (how to be informed, how to make up work, etc.).
- Inform students that with any type of technology, technical glitches can and do occur.
- Students and faculty need to be flexible when a technical glitch occurs.
Student Expectations
To help ensure that your students are successful, remind them of the following successful learner characteristics.
- Be prepared prior to the first day of class. They should have all required course materials and technology, and make sure that they can access all online course materials and applications.
- Be prepared to spend the amount of work required for course credit as per the Penn State University Policy 42-23 via all delivery methods (synchronous face-to-face, synchronous video conference, synchronous online, and asynchronous online).
- Manage their time and complete all assignments by their assigned due date and time.
- Work independently and in groups when assigned.
- Complete all pre-class assignments, and come to class on time and prepared to participate and contribute in discussions.
- Participate in online discussions and blogs by posting their initial thoughts, responding to others, and monitoring their own discussion threads.
- Use all required technology as assigned to the class.
- Immediately ask for assistance when needed.
- Be responsive to course email and announcements.
- Be flexible when there are technical glitches.
- Adhere to the academic integrity standards as per the Penn State University Policy 49-20 via all delivery methods (synchronous face-to-face, synchronous video conference, synchronous online, and asynchronous online).