Online vs Traditional Classroom Learning

What students should know before enrolling in a hybrid course

Students enrolling in hybrid courses should know that there are different expectations from the traditional classroom learning than those which are online.

Faculty Contact: Your hybrid course instructor has a role that is somewhat different from that of a professor in a traditional course. In a hybrid course, the instructor is more of a “facilitator of learning” than a source of information or a discussion leader. However, this does not mean that the instructor is unavailable to you.

Time Management: Time management is crucial for hybrid course work. All assignments need to be completed and sent to your instructor on time so it will be necessary for you to set aside time on a regular basis to study. This will require self-discipline. You must discipline yourself to insure that you keep up on all assignments and do not let yourself fall behind.

Technology: Even the most sophisticated technology is not 100 percent reliable. Problems can occur with technology at any point during your coursework. Should you experience problems, you need to be ready with a backup plan. Fortunately, there are several places on campus for you to go for help such as the Teaching and Learning Centers at the Dowagiac campus and Niles Area Campus. Communicate with your instructor first if you are having difficulties.

Accepting Responsibility for Personal Learning: There may be some students who enroll in a hybrid course that are not prepared to take responsibility for their own learning. Hybrid courses emphasize learning activities that require student responsiveness and participation. Students who are accustomed solely to traditional lecture formats may be unprepared for their new active roles. You cannot be a passive learner. When discussion questions are posted, everyone is expected to respond.

Expectation that Fewer Classes Means Less Work: Students seem to expect that fewer in-person classes equates to less coursework. Surprisingly, many of the students don’t perceive time spent in lectures as work, but they definitely see time spent online as work, even if it is time they would have spent in class in a traditional course.

Preparation: To succeed in a hybrid course, you must be comfortable using computers and software applications. It will be hard to keep up in an online hybrid course if you are not reasonably skilled at using a Web browser and e-mail communication through SMC Wired. You must have time and access to the Web several times a week; you must keep up with the class reading; you must stay current with class assignments deadlines; you must read assignments and directions carefully; and most importantly, you must be self-motivated in order to success in a hybrid course.