What is Blended Learning?

What is a blended course? "Blended" or "Hybrid" are names commonly used to describe courses that combine face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning. A significant portion of the learning activities take place online, and time spent on instruction that traditionally occurs in the classroom is reduced but not eliminated. This allows the student much more flexible scheduling, while maintaining the face-to-face contact with the instructor and classmates that is typical of a more traditional course.

What should I expect in a blended course? Courses that have been identified as "blended" or “hybrid” in the schedule of classes are a combination of face-to-face classroom instruction and online learning via the Internet. As a student, you can expect that a portion of your instruction and assignments will be partly presented in a traditional classroom and partly provided online. The division of online and classroom instruction for each blended course will vary depending on the course content and the instructor preference. In addition, some of the required class work will take place online.

Your instructor will provide details regarding what class work will be required in class and what work will be required when online. Online course materials and learning activities vary from class to class. However, typical Web-based activities include online discussions, small group work, games, simulations, self-testing exercises, audio- or video-lectures, and tutorials.

While students can generally choose when and where to complete online assignments, there are usually specific deadlines for online discussions, assignments and exams. In addition, students have set days and times for on-campus classes. By learning in both online and face-to-face environments, you can expect to interact with the course content, the instructor, and the students in a variety of ways.

Are blended courses designed for specific students? Blended courses are designed for students who:

• are interested in active and participatory learning, both in the classroom and online.
• are busy with work or family and want to replace some travel and on-campus time with online study.
• wish to retain the value of personal contact with the instructor and other students, instead of undertaking a solely distance education experience.

Who can take a blended class at UWM? Anyone who has been admitted to the University and has met the individual prerequisites for that particular class can enroll in a blended course. Students who are admitted to Blending Life & Learning (BLL) programs have priority registration access to BLL courses.

Will I be working on my own? You will work both independently and with others, as you interact in both the traditional and "virtual classroom." You will be working closely with the instructor and the students in your class, just as you would in a traditional classroom. In addition, you will also learn to work online, both independently and with others. Depending upon the course, you may interact in an online classroom and develop new skills such as participating in the class through online discussions or forums, collaborating through online group work, and working and taking responsibility in a team for class projects. You will not be entirely on your own, but you will need to learn good organizational and time-management skills to be successful as a blended learning student.