Hybrid Courses: Multiple Formats for Multiple Learners

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Hybrid CoursesMultiple Formats for Multiple
Learners

• George Smeaton, Ph.D.
• Professor of Psychology
• University of Wisconsin-Stout

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Presentation Overview

• Definition and description of Hybrid Courses
• Overview of Learning Styles
• Use of the hybrid format to facilitating
  multiple approaches to learning

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Whats a Hybrid?

• Hybrid courses are courses in which a significant
  portion of the learning activities have been
  moved online (Carla Garnham and Robert Kaleta,
  Learning Technology Center,University of
  Wisconsin-Milwaukee).
• Online activities include
• Case studies
• Tutorials
• Self-testing exercises
• Simulations
• Discussions
• Group collaborations

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What isnt a Hybrid?

• Fully online courses.
• In-class courses with nominal internet usage.

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Are Hybrid Courses Effective?

• Students enrolled in hybrid courses have been
  found to learn more than those enrolled in
  traditional or online courses
• Hybrid courses have lower withdrawal rates than
  do fully on-line courses.
• Hybrid student retention equivalent to that of
  traditional courses.
• Students appreciate the hybrid design.

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What Makes the Hybrid Design Effective?

• In education, one size does not fit alldifferent
  learners require different teaching methods.
• Combining face-to-face interaction with online
  technology provides multiple modes of instruction
  for multiple styles of learner.

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How do Students Differ in Learning Style?

• Most research on learning styles has examined the
  following dimensions
• Gardners multiple intelligences
• Myers-Briggs types
• Felder and Silvermans learning style model

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Using the Hybrid Format to Provide Multiple
Learning Approaches

• Introductory course activities.
• Web-based discussions
• On-line tutorials and demonstrations.
• Study guides
• On-line assessment

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Using the Hybrid Format to Provide Multiple
Learning Approaches

• Upper-level courses for majors.
• Web-based supplementary readingshave students
  find and post them.
• Post examples of A-quality research reports or
  other assignments.
• Post links to reputable sources.
• Post research reports to discussion boards.

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Using the Hybrid Format to Provide Multiple
Learning Approaches

• Service courses for other majors.
• Use web links to provide up-to-date and relevant
  supplementary readings.
• Use discussion boards to tap into students
  personal experiences with subject matter.
• Post case studies to discussion boards.

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Pointers for Hybridizing your Courses

• Faculty involved in UWM Hybrid Course Project
  suggest
• Redesigning a traditional course into a hybrid
  takes timesix months at a minimum.
• Start small and keep it simple.
• Imagine interactivity rather than delivery.
• Plan for effective uses of classroom time that
  connect with the online work.

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Summary

• Multiple types of learners require multiple
  approaches to teaching.
• Hybrid courses accommodate far more styles of
  learners than do traditional or all- online
  courses.