Hybrid Course Development Program

The Hybrid Course Development Program is cancelled for 2020, however if you are interested in developing a hybrid course, you can reach out to Jen Garrett-Ostermiller (Jennifer.garrett-ostermiller@uvm.edu) for an individual consultation.

Are you intrigued by the possibilities that arise from leveraging technology for teaching? Do you wish you had more time for active learning in your classroom? Do you appreciate the flexibility of online learning but still see benefits of meeting with your students in-person?

The Hybrid Course Development Program is a structured experience providing faculty with group training, individualized instructional design support, and course implementation grants to design and teach a blended course.

“Hybrid course” Definition

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.

Program Participation

Join a cohort to develop your hybrid course. The CTL will provide structure, guidance, and resources. You will have the added benefit of gathering ideas and tips from other faculty who are designing and teaching hybrid courses. Applicants should have experience using Blackboard and other instructional technology.

  • Receive approval from your Department Chair
  • Teach the hybrid course for the first time in the coming academic year.
  • Submit a proposal for a course implementation grant of up to $500 to support hybrid course development and re-design
  • Participate in a full-day training
  • Engage in a series of online self-paced modules on hybrid/flipped course design over the summer
  • Work with an Instructional Designer (CTL staff) to create accessible course materials (e.g. captioning of screencasts; screen-reader ready PDF; implementing UDL principles)
  • Teach the hybrid course twice in 3-year period
  • Share your experiences and course materials with CTL staff to be shared with other hybrid faculty
  • Participate in evaluations for the hybrid course

Contact Info

Jen Garrett-Ostermiller Jennifer.Garrett-Ostermiller@uvm.edu (email link)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hybrid course?

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.

What are the benefits of teaching my course as a hybrid?

1. Redesigning a course presents an opportunity to make the classroom more engaging by “flipping” some of the activities, e.g. to conduct discussion and other higher-order thinking activities during the face-to-face class meetings and to move knowledge transmission to the online portion of the course.

2. By using technology thoughtfully, many faculty can meet their students’ diverse skill levels and personalize students’ experiences of the class.

3. Students often learn fundamental skills that will serve them well in all of their classes as well as in their future employment: they learn how to learn independently, and this makes them more engaged in and more invested in their own learning.

Are hybrid courses all online?

No. Hybrid courses can be between 25-75% online with the remainder of the course conducted in a face-to-face classroom.

Are all hybrid courses formatted the same way?

No. At UVM, hybrid courses have various formats. Some of the formats developed though the Center for Teaching & Learning and be seen here.

Does UVM distinguish hybrid courses on Banner?

Yes. On Banner, course types are listed under Instructional Method. Instructors need to contact the Registrar’s office to let them know the format of their courses.

Will my students know that my course is a hybrid course when they're registering for it?

While the Registrar’s designation is “HYBD,” students don’t always pay attention. Therefore we recommend explaining it clearly in the course description, the syllabus, and on the first day of class.

Am I required to participate in the Hybrid Course Development Program to teach a hybrid course at UVM?

No. You are not required to participate, but faculty who do take part in the program are paired with a CTL instructional designer, receive professional development funds, and benefit from sharing ideas with other faculty in the cohort.

History of the Hybrid Course Initiative at UVM

From 2013-2018, UVM hosted a Hybrid Course Initiative, coordinated by the Center for Teaching and Learning and supported by the Technology Innovation Fund to develop institutional capacity to deliver hybrid courses at UVM and enhance faculty knowledge and skills in designing and teaching hybrid and flipped classroom courses. Over 75 faculty participants in the program, from all of UVM’s schools and colleges, developed and taught hybrid classes.