The Road to Hybrid Courses: Challenging yet Rewarding

Faculty who have good technology skills and are searching for a way to adapt a course into some form of a distance education course have a number of options. Faculty who have the support of a technology specialist who can share many opportunities such as collaboration technologies and digital media, enable more flexibility in how courses are delivered. The ability to reach beyond the four walls of a classroom has helped developed an attitude that faculty are looking for innovative methodology, using technology in the classroom. Online programs, hybrid courses, audio-video conferencing, and virtual office hours have the power to eliminate traditional barriers of time and space for faculty and students. Faculty adoption of technology requires time, resources, technology support, and reflection to build the confidence needed when using various technologies in the classroom. Support and practice help to develop the confidence and comfort that is needed to use technology effectively