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About Hybrid Classes...

“Hybrid Learning” is a combination of online and face-to-face learning experiences.

Previously, students had two primary choices for taking a class:

The Traditional Class. With this format, all students and the teacher would meet together in one place (typically a classroom) at the same time and place on a regular basis (typically two or three times a week). The teacher directs the student’s learning in a face-to-face environment. Most classes at Solano College use this format. (Many courses at Solano College have started to use an "ecompanion" for their traditional face-to-face classes, which is a place faculty can put notes, presentations, and handouts so students can access them at any time.)

The Online Class.  With online classes, the students select the time and place to learn. They are not required to be in a specific place at a designated time. The workload is the same, and they do have deadlines for submitting assignments and testing. The instructor has put all the course materials up on the web for students to download or read. The student has much more freedom to do the assigned work at any time (within the unit due date) and at any place. No face-to-face meetings are held, although some classes require a face-to-face final (which can sometimes be taken with the help of a proxy if you can't actually come onto campus at all).

Now a third option, the “Hybrid” format, is available for some classes.

The Hybrid Class. With hybrid classes, a combination of the face-to-face and online formats are both used. Classes meet at arranged times during the semester, and the remaining time is spent online. Some activities will be conducted in a group (traditional class) format and some activities are conducted individually (online). You get the best of both worlds – flexibility with the online portion and the sense of being in a group with the traditional class meeting. You will still have a regular schedule of assignments and reading material. You will also have the same learning requirements as a traditional class. Only part of the delivery format is different.

To participate in a hybrid class, the student must regularly check their MySolano email box, have a computer with Internet access and a browser (Internet Explorer or Firefox are currently supported). The individual class will also have additional requirements, such as a textbook and perhaps a specific software program to be used.

If you are a motivated student who can work well on your own without a lot of supervision, then this format may be just for you. You will have the guidance of a teacher in a classroom, but most of the work will be conducted out of class.