- What is a Hybrid course?
- Are Hybrid courses for me?
- Are Hybrids same as correspondence courses?
- Are Hybrid courses designed for specific students?
- Who can take a Hybrid class at FIU?
- Are there any requirements for a Hybrid course?
- Are there any prerequisites for Hybrid courses?
- I am not very proficient in the use of computers, but I am still interested in the Hybrid style of learning. Can I still enroll?
- Will I be working on my own?
- Can Hybrid course credits be applied as credit towards my Degree/Certification just like a traditional course?
- How should I prepare to succeed in a Hybrid courses?
1. What is a Hybrid course?
"Hybrid" is the name used to describe a course that combines face-to-face classroom instruction with computer-based learning. In a Hybrid course, a significant part of the course learning is done online and, as a result, the amount of classroom seat-time is reduced. This allows the student much more flexible scheduling, while maintaining the face-to-face contact with the instructor that is typical of a traditional education.
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2. Are Hybrid courses for me?
Take the self assessment quiz to find out whether you are a good candidate for a Hybrid course.
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3. Are Hybrids same as correspondence courses?
No. Hybrid is neither a correspondence nor a fully online course. Hybrid simply reduces some class meetings, e.g., the class meets fewer times per week than a traditional course and students participate, interact and learn online instead of in a classroom.
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4. Are Hybrid courses designed for specific students?
The Hybrid courses are designed for:
- Busy, commuting students who can replace some on-campus time with online study.
- Students who wish to retain the value of personal contact with the instructor and other students, instead of a solely distance educational experience.
- Students interested in active and participatory learning, both in the classroom and online.
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5. Who can take a Hybrid class at FIU?
Anyone who has been admitted to the University and has met the individual prerequisites for that particular class can enroll in a Hybrid course.
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6. Are there any requirements for a Hybrid course?
Yes. To participate in Hybrid courses, you must have access to the Internet. Internet access is available at the FIU campus computer labs. If you are not on campus, public libraries, many workplaces and private Internet Service Providers (ISP) can help you get connected to the web.
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7. Are there any prerequisites for Hybrid courses?
Yes. There are subject specific prerequisites. You can either check the prerequisites page or contact an advisor to get more information. Although the course expectations may differ and may be specific to a discipline, you are generally expected to have good reading, writing and computer skills.
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8. I am not very proficient in the use of computers, but I am still interested in the Hybrid style of learning. Can I still enroll?
You should be familiar with how to access, at least, some basic information via the web.
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9. Will I be working on my own?
No. You will be working closely with the instructor and the students in your class, just as you would in a traditional classroom. However, you will also learn to work online, both independently and with others. Depending upon the course, you may interact in an electronic classroom and learn valuable skills such as class participation through online discussions or forums, collaborations through group work, and taking responsibility in a team for class projects. You will not be on your own, but you will need to learn good organizational and time-management skills to be successful as a hybrid student.
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10. Can Hybrid course credits be applied as credit towards my Degree / Certification just like a traditional course?
Yes. Hybrid course credits can be applied as credit towards your Degree/Certification just as a traditional course. Your transcripts will not reflect any differences for taking the Hybrid courses, but you will gain computer literacy skills that will be valuable in other coursework and in your workplace.
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11. How should I prepare to succeed in a Hybrid courses?
To succeed in a Hybrid course, you must be comfortable using computers and have knowledge of MS Office Suite.
You can view the FIU Online WebCT Tutorial and also download any needed computer software from our or Software Resources page.
It is very hard to keep up in a hybrid course if you are not reasonably skilled at using a web browser and email communication. You must have time and access to the web several times a week; you must keep up with the class readings; you must stay current with the class calendar to meet assignment deadlines; you must read assignments and directions carefully; most importantly you must be self-motivated in order to succeed in a Hybrid course.
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