Is a Hybrid Class for Me? Here is What You Should Know
Updated: June 19, 2024
Published: July 7, 2021
Sometimes, you can really have it all. If you’re trying to decide between taking online classes or attending traditional in-person classes, but want the best of both worlds, then a hybrid class might be the answer. A hybrid college class combines aspects of online learning with face-to-face learning.
There are different types of hybrid classes and variations to know about before making your decision. Here, we will share what you need to know so that you can make informed choices about your next academic steps.
What is a Hybrid Class and How Does it Work?
A hybrid class consists of online instruction and assignments, as well as “seat time” within a classroom setting. In this case, a hybrid college class will require reduced in-class time when compared to a traditional in-class learning setting.
Instead of duplicate learning in each respective setting, a hybrid class will consist of productive activity online and in-person that complement one another.
For example, consider a college class that meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 90 minutes each day. A hybrid class would still have a portion of that in-person time spent in the classroom, but the rest of the learning would take place online with assignments and discussions.
Types of Hybrid Classes
Depending on the institution, the hybrid class offerings may vary. Here’s a look at some of the different types of formats:
- Face-to-face driver: During face-to-face learning time, instructors lecture and allow for questions. Based on what is taught in class, online assignments and homework are administered.
- Online driver: For online driver hybrid classes, the lectures take place online via streaming. There may also be a requirement for students to take part in forums and discussions online. For the time spent in class, students can ask questions, talk to their peers, and receive one-on-one aid.
- Days in/days out: Days in and days out is more typically deployed in K-12 settings as opposed to college. It rose in popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and consists of some days in the classroom learning (2-3 per week) and the other days are spent learning online.
- Lab rotation: For subjects that require hands-on experience, lectures take place online and the in-person portion is for the lab work.
- Flex: Flex hybrid classes mix both learning styles in sections. For example, for the first quarter or half of a semester, students may learn online. Then, the setup switches to fully in-person classes.
Pros of Hybrid Classes
When hybrid classes are well structured and both students and professors are all-in, then there are many benefits to be had from this type of learning.
Check out this abbreviated list of pros:
On-demand lectures
When lectures are streamed or recorded, students may have the option to log on and learn whenever their schedule permits. This type of flexibility is really helpful for many students, especially those who have other responsibilities to maintain while learning.
To exemplify, students who work or have families to raise may have more restrictive schedules and would otherwise be unable to attend lectures at 9 AM, Monday through Friday. With some instruction online, they don’t have to sacrifice and miss important lectures.
Effective in-person time
When students are in classrooms every day, they may take face-time for granted. When there’s a limited amount of time to spend in front of a professor or fellow peers, then the time may be spent more effectively.
Learning styles
Different students have different learning styles. For some, the in-person and traditional way of learning is well-suited. For others, online and digital learning when the lecture can be paused, rewinded, or replayed can help them absorb material better. A hybrid class can optimize the way certain students learn.
Maximize time
With blended courses, students can maximize their time and have more control over the pace at which they move through material. Students have the option to post questions in forums and work with peers online or in-person.
When students do meet in the classroom, they will likely be more prepared to ask the questions they still need to address. If they have understood material from a lecture that’s recorded, they are able to allocate their time to the aspects of the lecture that they still need to work on grasping.
Cost effective
Hybrid classes cost less than traditional in-person college courses. For starters, there’s no need to commute daily, which can drive up transportation and gas costs. The commute also poses an opportunity cost that can pull students away from time working or being with their family. Additionally, hybrid classes may cost less per unit because there’s less time spent on campus.
Things to Consider Before Taking a Hybrid Class
Some inflexibility
When compared to traditional classes, hybrid classes are more flexible. However, when compared to fully online classes, there exists some inflexibility in terms of the in-person learning sessions. These are often mandatory, so when signing up for hybrid classes, you still have to make sure that the time spent in the classroom fits within your schedule.
Commitment
As with any type of education, there’s commitment required. When you enroll in a hybrid class, you have to manage your own time, especially when it comes to the online portion.
Difference Between Hybrid Class and Online Class
The main difference between a hybrid and online class is that online classes are 100% online. Hybrid classes bring in the component of in-person learning, no matter how large or small that portion of the hybrid class will be.
Online classes offer the most flexibility of any type of education. That being said, some learners still like to have that face-to-face aspect, in which case the hybrid model may offer the perfect solution.
Fully Online Options
If you’re leaning more towards the fully online option, then University of the People has you covered! We offer fully online degree programs in four disciplines: Health Science, Education, Business Administration, and Computer Science. These degrees are some of the most sought-after and highly in-demand in the world.
Along with the immensely flexible and accessible online classroom, every program is also tuition-free! Once you graduate from University of the People, your accredited degree will open the door to endless career opportunities.
A Mixed Learning Experience
The options for obtaining your degree these days are more wide-ranging than ever before. You have the choice to choose between on-campus classes, online classes, or a hybrid class, which mixes both. Depending on your personal desires, schedule, budget, location, and the like, you can assess which learning setup is best for you.