Hybrid Courses

When I searched hybrid courses, the first thing to come up was a full description of “hybrid” or “blended” classes by UW-Milwaukee. Although much of this information was interesting to read, I was actually quite familiar with the terms from taking a similar class in the past. Basically, “Hybrid” classes combine face-to-face interactions coupled with online assignments to enhance the overall learning experience for the student. This distinct learning style is extremely beneficial to helping a student’s verbal communication in class while adapting to the technology of today. Unlike traditional courses, Hybrid classes retain the value of in-person contact with the instructor and the incorporation of the Internet to complete assignments. This description almost accurately depicts the learning structure of LIS 201 and the other hybrid course I have taken.

My first semester on campus as a sophomore, I took a class specifically designed for transfer students. Not only was this class a nice break in my schedule, but also it helped ease the transition between schools, especially knowing that full classes of students were in my same situation. From campus tours to student’s personal transfer stories I instantly realized that the whole class was sharing this special experience together. The class itself was quite similar to LIS 201 because it incorporates in class discussion, online assignments, lectures, and even an ignite presentation at the end of the semester. Additionally, this class helped me become comfortable with my current situation with the full support system immediately provided upon taking this class. Similar to the course now, I personally perform better in this learning environment because it incorporates so many aspects of learning. By taking a class such as this one, although it may be more work I personally find it easier to perform well because I am especially interested to read and discuss the week’s readings.

Furthermore, I thought this course did a great job of connecting the online portions to the in-person portions. By connecting the two it helped gain a greater understanding for the weekly topics at hand by discussing our findings with our peers. I personally felt that I was a more effective student in the physical world rather than the virtual because although you can research topics at home, I still strongly support the physical world. During times where technology is changing many aspects of daily life, I find it especially important to retain traditional face-to-face interactions, which foster healthy means of communication. I felt it was easier to learn about classmate’s true opinions from offline, face-to-face interactions. Every student has a specific edge or personality trait when it comes to in class discussions and I felt this is ultimately be expressed best in class.

Before this course I was pretty familiar with blogs, but have never used a Wiki before. The Wiki was in interesting integration to the structure of the class, but felt it to be useful especially when accessing other student’s work quickly and efficiently. I think UW instructors should absolutely increase their use of online components in courses because as the times of education are changing to do the learning techniques. In an age when most of our learning comes from online resources I think it is essential to familiarize every student with certain components of the Internet to help them adapt to the changing culture. School is basically preparing you for the real world, so it is vital for every student to become informed with how to adapt with our surroundings.

Looking back on the semester the course lectures and the readings definitely brought a better perspective to my own online experience. More directly focusing on the course, the materials contributed greatly to the online experience. The online course component specifically plays a large role due to the structure of the class surrounding the online world of information. By learning about the material in lecture and discussion, the online component facilitates one’s knowledge when using what you’ve learned in action. When one is able to learn by listening and learn by doing is when one gains the most from an activity.