Hybrid

On Thursday, September 30, 2010, the class did its first hybrid online course. Wow, it was interesting the night got off to a slow start. Mainly because everyone was in different location which made the logging on process a little slower. However, I like the convenience of students benign able to participate from different location, I think that is the beauty of a hybrid classes. Like all classes, the hybrid class did have its challenges for instance the students method of communicating was through typing. Which, was fine thanks to the feature at the bottom of the screen that informed everyone else that someone was going to be posting? Although, typing could be time consuming I think the features that was available on the screen help reduce students from having to type, like when the teacher would ask a question students could agree or disagree by clicking on the feature button. Another thing I found challenging was that when working from home not all students have the same programs on there computer, which can make things difficult if you’re not computer savvy.
Being able to participate in the hybrid class gave me some indication as to what teaching might be like for future generations. If I were to use hybrid as an alternative method of teaching I would try to limit some of the challenges I spoke about; by assuring that every students has the same programs on their computer ahead of time. I would also request that students have either a webcam or some type of microphone they can use with their computer. By including these two requirements everyone would be on the same page, it would eliminate the use of excess typing and last minute discovery of not being able to access the same programs as other.

Hybrid Classes would be a good way to connect with students form all around the world. As a teacher I can picture using a hybrid set up inside a computer lab for younger students, so they could do pen pal assignments or research assignments with students from other location. Hybrid class also sound like a good learning addition for students who do independent schooling, because this way they are not totally learning alone.
The hybrid class was a little different from traditional online class because the hybrid class actually allowed students to see and hear the teacher talking, also if students had web cam or speaking devices they would also be able to be seen and heard. Whereas with traditional online classes students can only communicate through typing which makes, some students feel a little disconnect.
Overall, the assignment was fun, and interesting, I was a little frustrate because I was one of the students who had a different program than others, so I had to use an alternative. Besides from that I think the class was successful for me it allowed me the opportunity to see the possibilities of using a different form of technology and once again the convenience of being able to be at different location was wonderful.