UVM is launching a five-year hybrid course initiative this Spring 2013, coordinated by the Center for Teaching and Learning and supported by the Technology Innovation Fund. The goals of this program are to
1) develop institutional capacity to deliver hybrid courses at UVM and
2) enhance faculty knowledge and skills in designing and teaching hybrid and flipped classroom courses.
As faculty participants in the program develop and teach classes, they will share information about the structure of their courses and feedback on how these models have contributed to student learning outcomes. By the end of the first two years of the 5-year initiative, the program will have supported the development of 20-30 hybrid courses, which will be made available as case studies for faculty to use as models in their own course development. The first group of courses designed with the support of the Hybrid Initiative will be taught in Fall 2013, including courses in Business, Film and Television Studies, Linguistics, and Nursing.
UVM defines a hybrid course as one in which 25-75% of the class time is conducted online, with the remainder taking place face-to-face in class or in the field. Hybrid models vary depending on instructor goals, but they typically allow for more flexible scheduling for students, faculty, and classroom resources. Research demonstrates that hybrid course design can increase flexibility for students and can make class time more engaging for both faculty and students.
Some techniques employed in a hybrid classroom can also be adapted to the “flipped classroom” teaching method. A flipped classroom strategy can be employed in a fully face-to-face class, which students' “homework” focuses on learning facts and principles, while in-class time is devoted to working problems and exploring the application of this knowledge. (Read more and register for a series of three April 9th “flipped classroom” workshops: Practices for Engaging Students)
Phase 1 (Spring 2013/Fall 2013) » Application Info
Ten faculty will be invited to participate in a hybrid pilot and will be compensated with technology and some professional development funds to be used to pay for TAs or other support related to their teaching. The application deadline is extended to April 5th. The focus will be on developing a range of models for hybrid instruction as well as programming and other materials to support faculty. Courses developed in Phase 1 will also provide opportunities to design and field-test assessment strategies. Faculty in this cohort will be eligible for a support package that includes a new laptop, software, and a grant to aid in developing and implementing their course.
Phase 2 (Spring 2014/Fall 2014) » Individual Application Info | » Team Application Info
In Phase 2 of the program, twenty courses will be selected including some courses taught by faculty teams. Faculty in this cohort will be eligible for either a course release or a support package that includes a new laptop, software, and a grant to aid in developing and implementing their course. For team applicants, only the team lead will be eligible for either a support package or course release, but the training and other support will be available to all the members of the team. The application deadline is April 5th.
Phase 3 (Spring 2015-Fall 2017):
Faculty in Phase 3 will benefit from the trainings, successful course models, and assessment protocols developed in Phase 1 and 2. These faculty will be able work with a designer and/or TechCat on their course. Faculty participating in this phase will receive a grant to support their teaching or other professional development. Faculty fellows selected from Phases 1 and 2 will provide some training and support and work as liaisons with departments and colleges.
To apply, click the "Application Info" link after each title, above. For questions about hybrid or flipped course design, please contact J. Dickinson (jennifer.dickinson@uvm.edu) or Henrie Menzies (hmenzies@uvm.edu) to arrange a consultation.