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 鈥淗ybrid鈥 as a course that is taught 50 to 99% online. 
  • Hybrid courses bring students 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 student engagement with the content, other students, 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 鈥 face-to-face or online 鈥 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 students have time to engage, re-engage, and improve understanding of course materials. 
  • Increased engagement: Recenter the course around students to increase engagement. 
  • Teaching-research balance: Gain the flexibility to engage in research and administrative responsibilities without reducing teaching load and quality of instruction. 

Student 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:颅 student-content, student-student, and student-instructor. 
  4. Design online material to flow into in颅-person classes and vice-颅versa. 
  5. Develop module-level learning objectives. 
  6. Identify which learning activities will occur online or onsite.