Hybrid bachelor’s degree programs are said to be the future of education. They can revolutionize your college education by introducing new experiences. You get opportunities for hands-on learning experiences through in-person classes. At the same time, you enjoy accessibility, affordability, and flexibility through online learning.
However, hybrid learning has its share of challenges. Transitioning from in-person to online classes and vice versa can be tricky. You can overcome these challenges by understanding the hybrid learning model.
This article discusses what a hybrid bachelor’s degree program is. We also give tips for choosing a hybrid program for an enriching college experience.
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Overview of the Hybrid Learning Model
The typical hybrid bachelor’s degree programs combine traditional in-person instruction and online learning. Students benefit from the personal interactions and formal structure of traditional classroom learning. They also experience the flexibility, accessibility, and convenience of online learning. In short, this format allows students to get the best of both worlds.
Based on the above definition, there are three major components of the hybrid learning model.
- In-person instruction involves the physical presence of both the teacher and students. It can be in a physical classroom setting, a laboratory setting, and a field/on-site setting. The direct interactions promote collaboration, engagement, and experiential learning experiences.
- Online learning involves the use of digital resources. These include recorded lectures, instructional videos, live-stream discussions, and interactive simulations. Students take exams and complete their assignments through the learning management system. Examples of LMS are Canvas, Moodle, and Blackboard.
- The hybrid curriculum integrates both in-person and online instruction. It results in personalized learning experiences and improved student learning outcomes.
When implemented properly, hybrid learning results in flexible scheduling. This means students attend synchronous in-person and online classes in real-time. They also participate in asynchronous online learning activities. They access learning materials, submit assignments, take exams, and complete projects at their own pace and time.
Notable Features of Hybrid Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Many notable innovations in bachelor’s degree education result from hybrid learning. To this day, undergraduate education in the US and around the world benefits from its continuous development.
The use of technology in virtual classrooms is an exciting feature of hybrid bachelor’s degree programs. Technology integration comes in the following forms:
- Videoconferencing technology enables users in different locations to conduct face-to-face meetings. They make use of digital audio, video, and messaging features. It also enables teachers and students to hold live-streamed virtual lectures. They also access multimedia learning resources and collaborate on group projects. The best examples of video conferencing tools are Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.
- Learning management systems (LMS) are the virtual classroom. Students access their course materials through Canvas, Blackboard, and Moodle. They also take quizzes and exams, participate in discussions, and their submit assignments. The centralized virtual classroom allows teachers and learners to experience real-time interaction.
- Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies enhance virtual learning environments. Students get immersive experiences in simulations, virtual tours, and hands-on training with these technologies. Many of these experiences occur in laboratory settings, too.
- Online collaboration tools have also become common in hybrid degree programs. In particular, they facilitate collaborations on projects, presentations, and papers. Teachers and learners use Google Workspace, Slack, Microsoft Office 365, and similar tools.
- The adoption of content creation tools facilitated the creation of multimedia content. Teachers and individual or group learners use Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Prezi, among other tools. They create engaging videos, animations, and infographics.
- Interactive whiteboards and tablets in hybrid classes heighten active participation and student engagement. These tools have digital pens that allow teachers to add lecture or presentation notes in real time.
- Cloud storage and file-sharing technology provide easy access to shared files. Teachers and learners connect to the Internet and use their laptops, tablets, or smartphones. Google Drive, Dropbox, and Microsoft OneDrive are the most popular tools.
- Learning analytics platforms allow teachers to track student progress. They also use this tool to gain insights into their performance and participation. It also allows them to personalize learning experiences. Tableau, Course Signals, and Brightspace Insights are commonly used for this purpose.
- The online assessment tools complement the learning analytics platforms, too. The most common ones are Respondus, Proctorio, and Turnitin. They allow teachers to create, administer and check online tests, exams, and quizzes. Secure exam delivery, plagiarism detection, and remote proctoring are a few of its crucial features.
- Teachers and learners also use mobile learning apps in their hybrid learning experience. The most popular ones are Duolingo and Moodle Mobile. These apps allow users on-the-go access to their learning materials. They are also used to facilitate the teaching or learning process. Through these, students also stay engaged anytime, anywhere.
- In many hybrid programs, the professor can deliver a lecture to two different sets of students at the same time. The first set can be in a physical classroom and the second set in a virtual classroom. Both on-campus and online students receive the same quality of instruction during the live stream.
These innovations are, of course, also used in exclusively online bachelor’s degree programs. In hybrid bachelor’s degree programs, these tools further enhance the in-person learning experience.
Student Support Services for Hybrid Bachelor’s Degree Programs
The best hybrid bachelor’s degree programs promote the student’s academic success. They also help with career preparation:
- 24/7 technical support is a must for students. Online platforms, learning apps, and other technical issues happen, but learning must continue.
- Tutoring centers offer students one-on-one and group tutoring sessions. They do this via chat, emails and video conferencing, as well as in-person appointments.
- Academic advising services allow students to discuss their academic plans. They can also track their academic progress. They may also discuss their career aspirations with their advisors. Academic advising also includes discussing and addressing academic issues.
- Study groups allow students to connect with their peers. They conduct collaborative projects and study sessions with ease.
- Mental health and wellness counseling services help with stress management. They also help resolve personal issues and other matters relating to mental health.
- Through writing centers, students can improve their writing skills. They learn from constructive criticisms of their research papers and other writing assignments. The writing tutors can provide feedback in real-time or in an asynchronous manner.
- Remote library services are available for students, too. These include academic journals, textbooks, and research databases available online. They also get access to these resources and questions about research.
- Career services prepare students for the challenges of establishing a profession upon graduation. Career counseling, job search help, mock interviews, resume reviews, and networking events are some of the services.
Students in hybrid degree programs must take advantage of the student communities on campus and online. You can share resources and information or participate in extracurricular activities. You can also establish your network. Always aim for a college experience that offers productive learning and enjoyable experiences.
Benefits of Combining Online and In-person Classes
Combining in-person and online classes has its perks. Here are the benefits that students in hybrid bachelor’s degree programs enjoy:
Flexible Schedules
Asynchronous learning makes it possible for students to learn at their own pace and time. They must also be mindful of the deadlines. They must submit their assignments, exams, projects, and other academic requirements promptly.
Individualized Learning
Teachers can change their instruction based on the individual needs, skills and strengths of their students. They can offer alternative instructional videos for visual learners. To benefit from the personalized learning approach. they must take advantage of the electives, student support services, and learning materials.
With personalized learning comes increased participation and engagement among students. As a result, you are likely to be an active participant in your learning experiences. Ultimately, you can improve your academic performance.
Improved Access
Many student support services and learning resources in hybrid programs are accessible online. As such, students enjoy improved access to them. Students can say goodbye to geographical barriers.
Many students of hybrid programs can also reduce their education costs. This is because they do fewer on-campus visits.
Choosing the Right Hybrid Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Are you exploring hybrid learning for degrees? You must give careful thought to choosing the best hybrid program for you.
- Identify your academic interests, finances, and career goals. These factors will influence your decision.
- Research the specific features of the hybrid programs on your shortlist. Learn about their curriculum, degree requirements, technological requirements, accreditation and reputation.
- Find out if the hybrid program’s features align with your interests, needs and goals.
- Evaluate the course schedules, quality of instruction, and affordability. Review the learning format, curriculum, courses, student support services, tuition, and financial aid.
You should also make campus visits. This can help you decide on the right campus resources, facilities and services. Being with other students will also contribute to your final choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
It combines traditional in-person classroom instruction with learning activities done online. You may attend face-to-face lectures in a physical classroom. You submit assignments, take proctored exams, and collaborate on group projects. All these are possible through learning management systems and online platforms.
Blended bachelor’s degree programs combine standard teaching and online learning. Hybrid bachelor’s degree programs put greater emphasis on online learning. It also uses technology heavily to promote improved student learning outcomes. Essentially, there is a thin line that separates between these two models.
Yes, it is. However, it needs proper implementation. The use of effective technology, resources and services is a must. Its efficacy lies in its flexibility, accessibility and convenience. It is also hailed for its personalization capabilities. Through hybrid learning, students also become prepared for digital literacy in the workplace.
Hybrid learning provides flexible learning schedules, access to learning materials, and affordable education. Students increase their academic engagement through interactive platforms and multimedia resources. As for its challenges, hybrid learning students may have to deal with hardware malfunctions, software glitches, and hacking. Fewer face-to-face interactions can be an issue for many. Another requirement is a reliable Internet connection for online learning activities, which can be a challenge.
Nearly 9 in 10 colleges and universities in the United States offer hybrid instruction.
Source:
Institute of International Education
