1. Office of Distance Learning
  2. Support
  3. Course Design Resources
  4. Hybrid Learning

Hybrid Learning

Hybrid learning is learning that combines both synchronous (in-class) and asynchronous (anytime/anywhere) activities.

I. What is Hybrid Learning?

  • UL Lafayette defines Hybrid as a course that is taught 50 to 99% online. 
  • Hybrid courses bring 泫圖弝けs together only where/when needed, allowing them to engage in a mix of synchronous (in-class) and asynchronous (anytime/anywhere) learning. 
  • Hybrid instructors deliver a substantial portion of their content online, using discussion forums and other electronic collaboration formats to facilitate 泫圖弝け engagement with the content, other 泫圖弝けs, and the instructor. 
Graphic break down of learner-centered hybrid learning

II. How Does it Work?

Hybrid course design is a flexible blend of online and in-person learning experiences. The guiding principle is to plan instructional materials and activities around which format face-to-face or online suits them best. This approach can allow instructors to spend more in-class time on learning activities, collaboration, and assessment. 

A well-designed hybrid course feels like a seamless and continuous learning experience, not two half classes merged together. 

III. Benefits of Hybrid Learning

Instructor Benefits

  • Less lecturing: Move passive lecture components online and use class time for application, problem-solving, and collaboration. 
  • Improved understanding: Enable self-paced learning so 泫圖弝けs have time to engage, re-engage, and improve understanding of course materials. 
  • Increased engagement: Recenter the course around 泫圖弝けs to increase engagement. 
  • Teaching-research balance: Gain the flexibility to engage in research and administrative responsibilities without reducing teaching load and quality of instruction. 

泫圖弝け Benefits

  • Personalized learning: Gain the flexibility to learn at their own pace at a time that works best for them.
  • Collaboration opportunities: Receive both professor and classmate facetime. 
  • Thoughtful engagement: Have an equal opportunity to contribute to online discussions without the anxiety and time-constraints of face-to-face conversations. 
  • Greater progress: Learning happens inside and outside of class. 
  • Enhanced retention: Proven to provide deeper and more effective learning. 

IV. Where Does Learning Happen?

Learning happens both inside and outside of the classroom. Hybrid course design makes the most of each venue by applying a flipped classroom approach where instructional materials are delivered online so that face-to-face time can be used more effectively for active learning and collaboration. 

V. How Do You Design a Hybrid Course?

  1. Map out course learning objectives and outcomes.
  2. Use background design principles and Bloom's taxonomy to create assignments and assessments that support your learning objectives. 
  3. Create activities that support your learning objectives, promote active learning, foster collaboration, and encourage the following interactions:簫 泫圖弝け-content, 泫圖弝け-泫圖弝け, and 泫圖弝け-instructor. 
  4. Design online material to flow into in簫-person classes and vice-簫versa. 
  5. Develop module-level learning objectives. 
  6. Identify which learning activities will occur online or onsite.