With the increased cost of gasoline, I am considering making some
of my face-to-face classes into "slightly" hybrid classes with
about 25% on-line. For example, for a class that meets two times
each week, that would be one on-line class every other week. Part
of my strategy is that if it works out well, I could make a few
more classes on-line the next time around.

Part of my motivation is to give myself more flexible time on
campus for meetings, networking, attending workshops, etc. I
probably won't reduce driving very much for myself, but would for
students.

On 6/03/08, bernoulli wrote:
> Great stuff!
>
> I have taught 6 fully on-line classes and about a dozen hybrid
> classes over the past 6 years. Not to mention dozens of
> web-assisted courses. I have used WebCT, Blackboard 6.2 and
> 7.2, and eCollege.
>
> I agree with your comments about Bb...disappointing lack of
> response to user feedback and issues.
>
> I echo your observations. Regarding #10, I prefer teaching
> hybrid classes and face-to-face over fully on-line
> classes--but that is just me.
>
> Let me add that students (especially today) really appreciate
> fast response to inquiries. I finally made it my habit to
> respond to inquiries as soon as humanly possible. Since I
> check my email throughout the day, I try to respond with
> thoughtful, thorough answers immediately...probably am at 95%
> for answering within a 6 hours. I also use Yahoo IM and give
> out my home phone number.
>
> It is worth emphasizing that students like structure and
> examples. For my hybrid class, I leave previous student
> project presentations available on line as examples. Students
> seem to appreciate that.
>
> Good topic!
>
> , especially On 6/01/08, marjoryt wrote:
>> I started teaching online in 2000, as part of a pilot
>> project sponsored by the community colleges in the state.
>> My American Literature II course was the first and only
>> online, and it had 35 students.
>>
>> Over the years as an online instructor, I've gone through at
>> least 4 different versions of Bb, experimented with various
>> platforms such as D2L and WebCT, taught 4 different courses,
>> taught at 2 different institutions, trained or assisted 5
>> different Distance Learning Coordinators, helped or trained
>> at least 15 new instructors, given 4 presentations about the
>> online experience. Here's what I think as an online instructor:
>> 1) Technology changes. Get used to change, and embrace it.
>> You certainly can't stop it.
>> 2) Not everyone wants technology. Don't bother to argue
>> with them, just wait for the train to roll over them and
>> step over.
>> 3) You don't have to learn every bell and whistle, and you
>> probably shouldn't teach with every single one either.
>> 4) Some students need handholding throughout the semester.
>> Better store all the advice you give them in a file, because
>> you'll be giving that advice MANY times in the future.
>> 5) Sometimes the very best help you can give another
>> instructor or a student is via a phone call or a
>> face-to-face conference. Don't be afraid of the phone call.
>> 6) Students REALLY like examples. They think you are a
>> great teacher if you give examples.
>> 7) Don't overwhelm the online student with activities; they
>> resent busywork for the sake of keeping them busy. On the
>> otherhand, you need to get enough grades from them.
>> 8) Administrators don't understand online unless they've
>> taught a course or taken one, and then they don't understand
>> the details.
>> 9) Online administrators aren't good about creating networks
>> of staff, especially for the proctors!
>> 10) I love teaching online as much as I do teaching in the
>> classroom. I'll like hybrid too, whenever it happens.

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