Reflections for a Random Tuesday.

Yesterday, I introduced the email contest to my students, in all three f2f classes (in a row, in the afternoon). Some appeared to listen to my instructions and advice on how to "win" this contest, some were on their devices, and some were talking quietly to each other. I did politely ask everyone to be quiet while I spoke, so I didn't have to repeat myself. But sometimes, they can't help themselves, and I remind myself that I talked during my classes, too, so I am probably giving too much energy to that tiny batch of talkers.

Anyhow, I gave the introductions and explained who their judge was for this contest. I read the feedback I'd received from this judge last spring, hoping that would give my current students ideas on what not to do and what TO DO in their writing. I then reminded them, like weeks' past, that there was an Email Packet they could judge for a bonus point. In these packets, I have placed 3-4 student examples - some were created by humans who gave me consent and some are created by robots.

Now, I wrapped up my "lecture" in all the classes within 30 minutes, and some students left after I wrapped up, which is fine. I thought they'd stick around and use class time to "do the things" like maybe brainstorming the content for the email OR completing the bonus opportunity with the packet. But many didn't. 

Cut to me checking the gradebooks briefly this morning, and some students completed activities overnight? Okay. So, this brings me to another reason why hybrid classes are the way to go: I've already noticed that students don't necessarily need to see the instructor as much as we think they do (they just want more obvious direction than a fully online course), AND they don't always want to use in-class time to do anything; however, they will do things on their own time. 

Hybrid courses blend the traditional physical space and teacher with much more outside, independent time for students. They offer flexibility in scheduling for both parties, too. 

And speaking of that scheduling piece, since we are a rural community college, hybrids will come in handy when offering courses to adjuncts/part-timers who will probably commute to campus. Being able to offer them an attractive schedule, keeping them content, and yet the students don't have to fall back on fully online classes, when they don't want to... In fact, an adjunct of ours at the Fargo location has created a one-day-a-week speech course that seems to be working out well, so yeah, hybrids are the future.