Hybrid Workshop Recap: Blending Your Instruction

On April 16, faculty participated in the "Teaching Hybrid: A Blended Experience" workshop. The event was a chance for faculty to learn more about integrating online components into courses, and to hear from their colleagues who have created and taught hybrid courses.

The workshop began with Dr. Will Miller, Department Chair for Public Administration at University of Illinois - Springfield, sharing his experience blending and flipping the classroom. Dr. Miller encouraged faculty to consider flipping the classroom to promote active learning. He shared this explanation of the blended concept during his presentation: "Traditionally we have given a lecture in class and then sent students off to work on some assignment during the week. This method and structure and flow are so familiar to us that we have a hard time thinking in any other way. In the blended concept, we use the online aspect to impart our words of wisdom previous to the class meeting. And then, when class time comes for face-to-face interaction, we focus on discussion, integration of material, and active learning. We flip it."

After a brief presentation from Dr. Miller, the Office of Distance Learning hosted a "fireside chat" for faculty panelists to explore the topic of hybrid teaching. Denise Stagg (College of Nursing) and Marietta Adams, Dr. Frank Del Favero, and Bertha Myers (College of Education) shared their experiences, lessons learned, and tips on best practices for a successful hybrid teaching and learning experience.

Please check the Events page for information about upcoming workshops and training.