Nursing: RN to BSN Program

What is a hybrid course?
Is a hybrid course right for me?
What is the typical course schedule?
Can I attend either full time or part time?
What type of learner must I be to successfully complete a hybrid course?
Will I find myself totally working alone on this class?
What technical issues should I be aware of for a hybrid course?

What is a hybrid course?

A hybrid course is a blend of face-to-face instruction with computer-based learning. Hybrid courses are courses in which a significant portion of the learning activities have been moved online, and time traditionally spent in the classroom is reduced but not eliminated. Some refer to hybrid courses as Blended Learning. The goal of hybrid courses is to join the best features of in-class teaching with the best features of online learning to promote active independent learning and reduce class seat time.

Students are required to attend some classes on campus while completing other technology-based work remotely. How the different components of a course are managed and distributed between classroom time and Internet settings depends on the specific course and the instructor.

While the online portion of a hybrid course may offer more convenient but they also say that learning online requires more time, self discipline, dedication, and time-management skills than traditional classroom learning. These courses have the same requirements and workloads as traditionally-delivered courses.

A hybrid course is a good choice if you find that weekly travel and attendance to a campus is not possible, if you prefer to maintain some personal contact with your instructor and classmates, and you are interested in engaging in interactive learning both in the class and online.

Is a hybrid course right for me?

Blended/hybrid learning is an exciting alternative to traditional face-to-face learning. However, online courses may not be appropriate for everyone. Online classes are different in terms of the nature of the class interaction, presentation of materials, and overall learning experience. Some students find blended learning a convenient, positive and rewarding experience; others are frustrated by the experience and have difficulty succeeding in this type of course.

Possessing certain qualities will increase your opportunity for success in blended learning. Taking the survey below may help you decide if blended learning is right for you.

1. I am self disciplined. I can work on my own and not be easily distracted.
2. I am self motivated to learn. I don't need stimulus from other students or being face to face with my instructor to motivate myself.
3. I have time management skills to balance online coursework with my professional and personal responsibilities.
4. I am willing to commit my time and effort to online courses (8 hours and up per week, per course)
5. I have good writing and communication skills.
6. I have good reading skills. I can read a book and learn how to do something.
7. I feel comfortable discussing issues and taking questions in an open forum.
8. I have strategies to get the most from the course study materials such as text book, study guide, syllabus, etc.
9. I can benefit from direct instructor feedback.
10. I feel comfortable using the computer to browse the web, download online materials, and create Word and PowerPoint documents.

• If you responded "yes" to eight or more of these statements, blended learning is suitable option for you
• If you responded "yes" to six to eight of these statements, you may succeed in a blended learning course with some effort.
• If you responded "yes" to five or less of these statements, blended learning may not be the best option for you at the moment. You can learn more about other campus-based programs that meet your needs

What is the typical course?

All of our program courses are delivered in the blended format. We offer two sessions of 8 week courses per semester. Each 8 week session begins with a face to face or on-campus meeting for approximately 3 hours (class 1). The following 6 weekly sessions are held online. Students work at their own schedule on various learning activities each week. The last session (class 8) is on-campus, and is devoted to student presentations or exams.

The following week another session begins, with the same 8 week plan. The face to face classes are held on the same day of the week (e.g. Monday) for both semesters, so you can plan for these on campus visits well in advance.

Classes are offered in the fall, spring, and summer sessions. There is only be one 8 week session in the summer.

Can I attend either full or part-time?

You may choose either. Full-time is considered to be two courses per 8 week session; part time is 1 course per session. In order to receive financial aid, you will need to take a course each session. You can change your status from either course load. You will meet with your advisor to determine the most appropriate number of credits for your situation.

What type of learner must I be to successfully complete a Hybrid course?

In order to be successful, students enrolled in hybrid courses should be motivated and have good organizational skills. In particular, students need to avoid procrastination by setting up and maintaining a weekly study schedule to stay on top of assignments.

In addition, students should take advantage of class time and office hours to communicate regularly with their instructors, as well as make effective use of various course materials and learning tools available through the college's flexible-learning programs.  

Will I find myself totally working alone on this class?

 No. You will be working closely with the instructor and the students in your class, just as you would in a traditional classroom. You will also learn to work online, both independently and with others. Depending on the course, you may be interacting in an electronic classroom and learning skills which will allow you to participate in online classroom activities. These may include: discussion boards, forums, chat rooms, group work, and being part of a team for class projects.

What technical issues should I be aware of for a Hybrid course?

Students must have the proper computer hardware and connections to the Internet to permit this type of course delivery.

Students in these courses should have some experience and familiarity navigating and using the Internet as an information and communication resource.

• Other skills you will need include downloading and attaching files to an e-mail, word processing and basic fundamentals of using a computer as a communication and productivity tool.
• Hybrid instructors assume that students are experienced with the basics of operating and working on a computer system.

Sakai will be the online learning platform that we will use to deliver our courses. You will be oriented to the use of this program prior to beginning your class.