{"id":3433,"date":"2021-06-21T11:04:21","date_gmt":"2021-06-21T16:04:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/abound.college\/gradschool\/?post_type=advice&p=3433"},"modified":"2021-06-21T11:04:21","modified_gmt":"2021-06-21T16:04:21","slug":"what-are-hybrid-courses-should-i-take-a-hybrid-course","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/abound.college\/gradschool\/advice\/what-are-hybrid-courses-should-i-take-a-hybrid-course\/","title":{"rendered":"What are Hybrid Courses? Should I Take a Hybrid Course?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hybrid courses have been around for a while, but have been given a new spotlight thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hybrid courses are college courses that blend in-person learning with <\/span>online instructions<\/span><\/a>. Typically, up to 50% of the classroom work is replaced with online work. This format is especially useful for students with work or family obligations as it allows you to create a more flexible schedule. Never taken an online course? Not sure where to begin? We can <\/span>help<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So what exactly is a hybrid graduate program and should you take one? If you are considering taking a hybrid graduate program, here are some questions you should ask yourself:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Are you an online learner? Despite its growing popularity, online learning has a few <\/span>myths<\/span><\/a> that continue to mystify students. One of the most common misconceptions is that taking courses online is easier than in-person classes. Rather than thinking one is easier than the other, it\u2019s more appropriate to say they’re different. Online learning has its own unique set of challenges that makes it no more challenging or easier than in-person classes. Make sure you understand the expectations and have access to all the tools you need. Here are some questions to consider so you can gauge your aptitude for online learning: <\/span> <\/li>\n
  2. Do you have the technological skills necessary to be successful? Hybrid courses require more than a computer and an internet connection. To be successful in an online course, you\u2019ll need to be able to use whatever learning software your institution uses. Popular platforms include Canvas, Blackboard, Zoom, etc. You\u2019ll use these to submit assignments, participate in discussion forums, and complete your exams. Your ability to use these tools is crucial. Your professor will offer some leniency, but ultimately it is on you to learn how to use the tools. <\/span> <\/li>\n
  3. Are you able to independently manage your time? <\/span>Independent time<\/span><\/a> management skills are essential for success in a hybrid course. When you are learning and completing assignments online, you\u2019ll be responsible for those deadlines.\u00a0 <\/span> <\/li>\n
  4. Are you an effective written communicator? Depending on the type of hybrid course, your professor might have an online only office hours policy. If this is the case, you should make sure your emailing skills are up to snuff. You must be able to effectively communicate your needs, so you can get the help you require. <\/span> <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What Do Hybrid Courses Look Like? <\/span><\/i>
    \n<\/span>This will vary by intuition, but typically a hybrid course allows students to take some, if not most of their classes online. This format allows you to take advantage of the convenience of learning online, while benefiting from the practical hands-on learning of on-campus classrooms. Another misconception about online learning is that you can log on and complete assignments whenever you please. While hybrid courses offer a great deal of flexibility, not all hybrid courses allow you to go completely at your own pace. Check to see whether your course is <\/span>    synchronous or asynchronous.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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