For those who have never taught an online or hybrid course before, the idea may seem daunting. How are teaching online/hybrid courses different from teaching a classroom-based course? How can we ensure that the same quality of instruction will be achieved online? How can we facilitate effective communication and ensure authentic assessments are implemented?
Pedagogy: Online and Hybrid
Online and hybrid education follows many of the same methods and philosophies as traditional, face-to-face (f2f) courses. There are, however, differences that invigorate a paradigmatic shift for online/hybrid educators. Compared to f2f education, online and hybrid teaching have more of a learner-centered paradigm, which, when successful, yields highly active student interaction and engagement (Harasim, 2001). The instructor’s role shifts from being “a sage on the stage” to “a guide on the side” by facilitating student learning, rather than delivering instruction.
Though technology has improved dramatically over the years to support high quality, collaborative online/hybrid teaching and learning, many of the pedagogical principles remain consistent with f2f instruction. An instructor needs to let students know about expectations for their work, participation and collaboration, as well as the instructor’s availability and approach to feedback. Appropriate online/hybrid instructional strategies should also be identified and employed in order to create a friendly, communicative and productive online environment for students. Assessment of online/hybrid students’ performance should also be properly designed to ensure student achievements.
This section provides some pedagogical guidance and suggestions for online/hybrid instructors regarding these issues. Please explore this section to learn more about this paradigm shift and to strengthen your approach to teaching online or hybrid.
For more guidance on designing or managing an online/hybrid course we encourage you to meet with our Instructional Designers. Visit the Information Design Consultation page to schedule an consultation.