Hybrid courses combine traditional classroom face-to-face instruction with virtual learning. Blended courses result in students and instructors spending less time in a traditional classroom. Students and instructors have felt the success of hybrid courses. Professors have honed on what works. Besides that, students prefer blended learning courses. Here are a few reasons why learners are asking for more.
Allows Flexible Schedules
Today’s students live chaotic lives. Incoming college freshmen are no longer primarily last year’s high school graduates. Today’s students are balancing work, school and family life. Students watch young children while starting a degree program. Caregivers tend to an elderly parent while taking an accounting class. An unemployed factory worker may be upskilling for a new career. Hybrid courses let students complete course content on their time. Flexible schedules allow students to live their lives and prepare for the future. Rural students are able to log in to do their school work rather than commute. Likewise, blended courses let universities enroll a larger range of students. Besides that, blended courses let colleges hold classes when buildings were shuttered to protect public health.
Maximizes Time
Blended courses let students maximize their time. Students are able to move through the content they understand. Learners are able to spend more time on content they do not understand outside of class. Faculty can reach out to struggling learners. Students are able to post questions. They can use online forums at a time that works best in their schedule. The bulk of hybrid class content is delivered online. In class, teachers and students are able to join in group discussions. The class is able to discuss the lecture. Students arrive at the classroom session prepared to participate.
Costs Less
Besides that, blended learning courses cost less for students. A daily commute to a class adds up over the years for part time commuting students. The commute can be an obstacle for working students. Rather than commuting into class several times during the week, students log in from a convenient location. Besides that, students build marketable skills when they take part in a hybrid course.
Increases Marketable Skills
Students expand marketable skills when enrolled in a hybrid course. Blended courses call for the learner to grow their time management skills. Likewise, students learn to be accountable for their performance. Discipline is needed. Learners must show up both in class and online. Hybrid courses ask students to post and respond within set time frames. Problem-solving skills are expanded as learners navigate technology. Learners gain valuable practice in juggling the many balls in their lives.
In sum, students prefer hybrid courses for their perfect blend of traditional classroom and online learning. Today’s students need the flexibility of online learning and crave the connection of face-to-face instruction. Learners want the best of both learning worlds. Hybrid courses deliver.
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