Cyber School Hybrids and policy

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Andrea Hildreth on July 9, 2010 at 11:15am

Hello Carol,

I believe that "hybrid" is the teaching-platform of the future. (Because of the increased popularity of automatic-translation tools, I am being very "literal" these days so I appreciate the term "hybrid" as being perfect for the teaching-platform which takes two different modes of instruction, online and live, and combines them in one course. I would also apply this definition to the combination of the modes of instruction, synchronous and asynchronous, in one course.)

One question: What is the age and maturity-level of your learners?

And two suggestions:

Consider a Problem (or Project)-Based Learning (PBL) structure. There is a great Classroom 2.0 discussion group called "PBL ~ Better with Practice" where you can learn what it is and how it works (if you don't already know) and you can get the PBL point-of-view on your hybrid-course question.

I would also suggest that you design your instruction in the form of "scaffolding" which would allow you to provide the students with freedom in their online study time, and structure in their face-to-face study time.

Is this helpful?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Carol Caywood on July 9, 2010 at 11:43am

Yes! Thank you. I will look into that. My students are seniors. I designed the class last year on a wiki. Although I like the way it is organized and looks, we are moving to Moodle this year. I like all the extra activities that can be done with Moodle, but it seems very cumbersome and I am having a tough time making it aesthetically appealing.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Andrea Hildreth on July 12, 2010 at 9:54am

Yikes - I don't know anything about Moodle - except that there are groups in Classroom 2.0 that have Moodle as their focus. This is one of them:

http://www.classroom20.com/group/moodle_vle

Hopefully they have addressed the "not aesthetically appealing" issue, definitely you will find someone there to engage in discussion.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sharo Dickerson on July 12, 2010 at 4:38pm

Are the online classes offered to support all high school students to accelerate or complete courses as part of their graduation requirements? Are there guidelines in place for in your district to support such program?

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Carol Caywood on July 12, 2010 at 8:24pm

No there are no guidelines and I am the only person doing it. The administration just said "go". It will a section of a class that is taught differently.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Sharo Dickerson on July 12, 2010 at 10:12pm

Does this mean that the hybrid courses will only be implemented in your campus? If it is, then I recommend to discuss and brainstorm on the development of your program's goals, student expectations, teacher expectations, grading guidelines, protocols and procedures. You can check Ysleta Virtual School's website for more details at http://www2.yisd.net/yvs I hope you will be able to find some useful information here.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Carol Caywood on July 12, 2010 at 10:49pm

Thank you SO much. Very helpful!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Chris on July 13, 2010 at 1:21am

Hi Carol,

You should check out Sean Nash's website at:

http://stjoeh2o.ning.com/

He teaches an evening marine biology course for juniors and seniors. It combines in class and on-line learning. He is doing some cool stuff.

• ▶ Reply