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Today’s Hybrid Students Blend Tradition with Technology

26 August 2009 7,081 views 55 Comments

hybrid_studentThe lines have clearly been drawn between those who champion traditional learning and those who believe distance learning is the only way to go.  However, the truth may lie somewhere in the middle. In this real world educational romance the Capulet’s and Montague’s can coexist quite swimmingly, if you allow yourself to see the big picture and appreciate what both have to offer.

First off, one must consider the benefits that each mode of learning provides.

Traditional on-campus view…

  • Stimulating face-to-face environment
  • Forging life long bonds with classmates
  • Gaining a better understanding and tolerance of those from different cultures and backgrounds
  • Body language (teachers can often determine if a student is truly grasping the material without them speaking a single word and can offer assistance)
  • Cost, depending on the school, may be less expensive than distance learning
  • Better employment potential after graduation due to a larger social network
  • Dissecting a pig for your biology class requires your physical presence, not simply a laptop and an exacto knife

Online education view…

  • You can access your virtual classroom from almost anywhere in the world
  • Flexibility of learning on your time
  • Sitting in a recliner opposed to a desk chair is far more comfortable and conducive to learning
  • Class availability and accessibility allows you to get your degree faster if you so choose
  • Cost, depending on the school, may be less expensive than traditional education
  • Less intimidating for students to participate
  • Students are viewed as self motivated, independent thinkers who bring a lot to an organization

Clearly both learning modes have their benefits, which is why a hybrid of traditional and online education makes perfect sense.  The key, however, is being certain your classes are transferable should you elect to take classes at another institution. A school’s accreditation is the best gage of transferability with a regional accreditation serving as the gold standard.  You can also check with your schools admissions office to confirm that your class will transfer without issue.

Authors Note: Having participated in both traditional and online studies helped me to become a better rounded student.  Both my classroom debates and discussion board wranglings were educational and very much appreciated by my professors.  It comes down to what you make of your educational experience.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you that one form of learning is better than the other; you truly need to experience it for yourself.  What I can tell you is that this Montague loved both learning styles, and that being a hybrid student is one of the smartest things I ever did. Yep, the Toyota Prius has nothing on this hybrid man.

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55 Comments »

  • Nancy said:

    I normally slack off in hybrids cus I don’t show up to class and do the work last minute.

  • LaNisha said:

    WAT?

  • Betty said:

    I have attended hybrid classes but I was in the classroom while seeing & working with 3 other locations on video.
    Some of these students learned & enjoyed it while others would have preferred being in a classroom.
    So it all depends on the student(s). But it is an option for those who do not want to travel.

  • naomi said:

    not feeling the online classes, but mmm i would consider it still.

  • Steve said:

    To me, Online classes tend to offer too much time to spend on other things. Being online, you may be tempted to visit your MySpace for a minute or so, which turns into an hour or so after you catch a friend you haven’t talked to in the longest, and then turns into two hours after a whole bunch of more friends get online…Classroom learning does not afford you those luxuries….

  • amine said:

    online classes reduce the distance and much more things!

  • susana said:

    i concentrate more in class then anywhere else

  • Adebisi said:

    I like classrooms better, it gives be sense of belonging

  • abbie Elkhansa said:

    i belive it would be easier to take online classes..

  • Reeya said:

    cool..online classes are pretty cool

  • Divina said:

    Hmm,tis true but I prefer online instead.

  • tyler said:

    great article with great info

  • jahni said:

    awesome!

  • britt said:

    very helpful!

  • robert said:

    I think you need both to be well rounded

  • Alex said:

    Very interesting.

  • Stacie said:

    great information very different

  • Tabatha said:

    I’m really glad this is happening! Its awesome!

  • kelli said:

    this is soo cool!

  • chadia said:

    that’s cool.

  • Emma said:

    It really depends on how dedicated and disciplined the student is on how effectively online learning works.

  • TERESA said:

    WELL THATS NICE.

  • Matt said:

    Distance learning is not for me.

  • Neethu said:

    that’s true but sometimes classroom learning is better

  • mariel said:

    i like the classroom learning better [:

  • reanetta stokes said:

    I PREFER FACE TO FACE SCHOOLING

  • ... said:

    I’ve taken a few online courses in college before. While one class didn’t work so well as we had new software, overall, my online experience was great. I took classes on campus and online at the same time and it felt good not having to be at school all day. As for completely going the online route, I wouldn’t do it. If your schedule or situation calls for it, then at least you’re taking the initiative to get a degree(s). Yet, I feel that the in-class experience is much better, more engaging; as long as your instructor isn’t a halfwit and or boring.

  • jesse said:

    niicee

  • Courtney said:

    I feel like both are good. It depends on the person and what they prefer. I honestly like the face to face learning and networking with teachers and students. I feel that is more beneficial for you.

  • loreeee said:

    I’m a high school junior who is taking an online course, along with her 7 normal high school classes. It’s only health, but I found it difficult because sometimes the activities asks me for things my instructor should have given me. I don’t have them because I’ve never seen her. Even though she pardons a lot of mistakes and accidents, it puts a lot of stress on me :/

  • Martin said:

    It’s cool.

  • Martin Marino said:

    On line is great for convenience sake!

  • Martin Marino said:

    On line is a great thing when you just cannot get there with work etc.. in your life

  • jacqueline terrazas said:

    that is kinda wierd hahaha!!!! =]

  • Maria said:

    So would a hybrid course like an online course? I think it might be a lot easier to attend school online but it is more expensive. I think I might tend to put aside my homework more if I have an online course.

  • Ashley said:

    I personally believe a combination of both is the key to success. I was able to complete my minor degree with all online classes which was great because it allowed me the time I needed to work extra hours.

  • Stay on Credit Course with Online Classes | Online Education Blog said:

    [...] That’s why if you are one of the many students trying to balance both work and school you may want to consider an online class to go along with the other four ground campus classes you are taking. The flexibility online education provides tends to fit better with a students busy schedule. In fact, it is increasingly common for students to take this dual approach.  Today’s Hybrid Students Blend Tradition with Technology. [...]

  • Adalis said:

    Agree.

  • Hyun Joo said:

    I like the idea for those who need balance education and work, but I don’t agree that everyone should go for online education. I personally believe that a human should teach human not a robot.

  • Colleen said:

    Online classes is a good way to get an education in the covinience of ur own home!

  • CC said:

    Good Stuff!!

  • taryn said:

    i love online learning

  • whitney said:

    That was a great article

  • Tasleem said:

    online ed is a wonderful oppurtunity but its very boring

  • jesse said:

    very, very good!

  • Evie said:

    Hi Everyone,

    I can speak from expirience, being that I am a hybrid student. Let us all remember that all things in life have its pro & cons it is up to us to make the best or better yet take the best of all that is offered to us.

  • Stacy said:

    I’am sure that online classes are wonderful to do but it really takes dedication and time to do it. I personally learn better when a teacher is lecturing and I am taking notes. Well, it really all depends if the person is really committed to the work.

  • bianca said:

    having done a hybrid of both online and traditional on-campus learning, i prefer online learning because of the obvious draw of flexibility. i must say that online learning requires you to be a totally motivated individual – if you are not – your work will suffer.

  • Mel said:

    Well taking a hybrid course would be easy to the ones who has self dicipline. If you dont then your prorbably not going to make it through the course.Its also very helpful when your the type I of person thats on the go. Your never home but you dont have to show up to class. all you do is sit at your computer and let the homework and fun begin..

  • Chao said:

    I feel taking a few hybrid classes will be very helpful for me due to my busy schedule!

  • jennifer said:

    that’s really interesting i always thought that being in a classroom would be a better environment to learn in

  • Brittney A. said:

    I take a few hybrid classes myself, and plan on taking more. And with having to work and other responsiblilites, this really comes in handy. Now I won’t have to change my work schedule to fit around my class schedule!

  • Jasmine said:

    That is totally AWESOME!!

  • lisa said:

    cool!

  • peety said:

    On-line Ed. is a wonderful opportunity. I recently had surgery over the summerand was unable to work and move… I had four on-line classes over summer term that all counted, so I am all for distance learning although I prefer being in a class room or lab setting.

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