Hybrid Course Questions

What is a hybrid course?

A hybrid course has part of the course in a classroom with a scheduled time, and part of the class requires the use of the internet any time that fits your schedule. The work that you do at home and/or with the internet does not need to be completed at a particular time. It's basically identical to a regular course, except the lecture component is done at home instead of in a classroom.

The "Book"

The wonderful part about hybrid classes is that the textbook is available online as well if that works for you. Some like the convenience of a paper text, and some prefer the extra cash in their pocket. You can choose one of three options:

• Buy a new textbook from the bookstore that comes with a free access code.
• Buy a used textbook that may or may not have an unused access code, then purchase an access code online separately.
• Purchase the access code online, then access the PDF version of the textbook online for free.

Our course structure:

Lectures – Online at home anytime

Before class, you watch the assigned video lectures. Each video is approximately 10 minutes (No 2 hour lectures like a traditional class!). The SCC schedule of classes indicates the number of hours you should expect to spend watching lectures (which excludes homework time). Some students like to pause and review the videos often as they work through problems or take notes. The actual time that you log in or out of the computer is entirely up to you. You can do more on one day than another if needed, although this is not recommended. The key is to finish watching the lectures and complete the homework before the next class meeting.

Homework – Online at home anytime

For each unit of lectures, you will have corresponding homework problems that are available online. Each problem will provide built-in tutorials, examples, and links to textbook pages if you get stuck. Our class time will be used to discuss your questions and take exams.

Questions and Exams – In Class

In class, I will spend the majority of the time going over additional homework problems and I will supplement the video lectures whenever necessary. We will also be taking exams (and possibly quizzes) in class.

Benefits of a hybrid course:

1. If you didn't understand a lecture, you can watch it as many times as you'd like – unlike a traditional course.  Having the video lectures is also a great way to review whenever you need to. On the other hand, the lecture videos are optional if the section is a review for you and the homework can be completed easily (although it is STRONGLY recommended that you watch every video just in case).
2. You set your schedule. Besides our class time, you determine when and where to study. Many students take their laptops and headphones to the library or to a quiet coffee shop with free wireless connection. Some like working in the early morning, and some like to work late at night.  You get to decide!
3. You get to go to the bathroom, drink coffee, eat noisy chips, or take a break whenever you want during a lecture. You get to rest when you need it, and you can haul through it when you have the energy to get it done. You're not left behind or slowed down by other students in a class. You basically get to take control of your own learning and pace yourself to maximize your own learning potential.
4. A hybrid course gives you the online course experience with the instructor guidance. If it works out for you, you'll be prepared for the completely online versions of Math 105 or Math 140. Or, you'll be prepared to take the plethora of online courses at your transfer college.

Profile of a successful hybrid student:

If you received an A or B in the pre-requisite course, most likely you'll be fine. A hybrid course requires much more self-determination than a traditional course.  This is because you are responsible for your own learning.  You will have all of the tools at your fingertips – it's just up to you to actually use the tools. 

The students that are most likely to drop are the ones who are not very comfortable with math and do not have the time to keep up. If you're at all concerned, please don't hesitate to email anytime.

Skills to be familiar with as a pre-requisite to Math 060/080:

If this is your first time taking Math 60/80, here are some of the core topics in the pre-requisite course:

• Basic Algebra  (i.e. Simplify 10 – 7 + (-3) – (-8))
• Solving Equations  (i.e. Solve 2x – 5 = 7x + 9)
• Graphing Lines (i.e.  Graph the line 3x + y = 1)
• Factoring  (i.e. Factor x2+ 5x + 6)

If you are not comfortable with these skills, you may need to take more time on the videos and homework problems. The course does cover these sections as well, so don't let this discourage you! You can still complete the class and be very successful if you are willing to put in the time and effort. The course is designed to review all of these concepts thoroughly.

	Online	Hybrid
Homework:	Answers are submitted online with the help of tutorials, videos, examples and links to textbook pages for each assigned problem. Work is shown by hand on paper.	Answers are submitted online with the help of tutorials, videos, examples and links to textbook pages for each assigned problem. Work is shown by hand on paper.
Exams:	In class.	In class.
Questions Answered:	Online with the built-in tutorials, emailing the instructor, posting questions on the discussion board, attending the Math Study Hall or attending my office hours.	Online with built-in tutorials, in class, during office hours, or at the Math Study Hall.
Lectures:	Online. Instruction will be delivered with videos and tutorials that are all completed online anytime during the week.	Online. Instruction will be delivered with videos and tutorials that are all completed online anytime during the week.
Class Meetings:	A total of 3 times during the semester for exams only.	As scheduled in the college schedule.
Computer Usage:	High - probably daily. You do not need to be an expert to do well. You should know how to send an email and visit a website.	High - probably daily. You do not need to be an expert to do well. You should know how to send an email and visit a website.
Cost:	About $55 for the product if you use the online textbook.	About $55 for the product if you use the online textbook.
Reason for taking:	Difficult for you to attend regularly scheduled meetings on campus; you have a great ability to be self-paced and keep up with assignments.	You need some face-to-face contact with the instructor and/or your classmates; you have a great ability to be self-paced and keep up with assignments.

Special Needs?

If you have any special needs, please let me know at anytime – the sooner, the better - especially if you need services through Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS).  Also, if you would like to discuss an issue you will be having (i.e. vacation, challenging work schedule, poor math skills, learning/physical disability, etc.), please feel free to contact me.  We can discuss these issues before you register to make sure the class will work out for you. Also, if you are worried about the significant time commitment, there are things that you can work on now to take off some of the stress once the class begins.  You can email me now at cuneo_amy@sccollege.edu or check this site to see how to get started.

Registration

You can register by telephone or online at sccollege.edu. The class size will be very limited, and this course will fill up fast. If you are put on a waiting list, please do not get discouraged. Many people change their minds after registering and forget to drop the class. Even if you're way down on the waiting list, at least come to class on the first day to see how things stand. There's a good chance you'll get in anyway!

More Questions?

Email me at any time (starting now!) to determine if this class is right for you:  cuneo_amy@sccollege.edu