In the world of education, a “hybrid” is a that includes a classroom-based (traditional delivery) instruction element and a technology-based element, usually using a learning management system such as Blackboard. In our English 110 course, we will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:00 am – 12:20 pm this term. Although this is a four-credit course, we will only meet in the physical classroom for three hours each week. Thus, the “hybrid” portion of the course will be completed using various technology-based assignments, including the use of digital tools to create projects and complete assignments. This may include watching a TED Talk and then posting to our WordPress online class discussion board, completing a peer review via Google Docs, developing your WordPress ePortfolio, or recording and editing a short podcast using Audacity, for example. This activity will be in addition to more traditional homework assignments such as reading and annotating texts or drafting essays.
You do not need previous knowledge of WordPress, Google Docs, or any other platforms or web sites used in the course, but you must be willing to learn to use these tools to be successful in this course.
Developing your ePortfolio is a requirement for English Composition, but don’t worry if you are feeling a little anxious. I will guide you through the process. Here’s what some of your classmates have done with their ePortfolios: http://uneportfolio.org/showcase/. You will see that they have made this space their own, and they will continue to build it (just as you will!).
For planning purposes, as a student in this course, you should expect to dedicate an hour each week to the e-assignments in addition to 3-4 hours on English 110 homework. As is the usual expectation for college-level courses, students should expect to spend about two hours completing course work for each credit hour of a course (4 credits = 8 hours of homework per week).
If you would like, feel free to take a look at my web site (http://jengennaco.uneportfolio.org/about-me/). It will give you an idea of my interests and experience. I look forward to working with you this term!
Photo of “Whisper in the Dark” by Dmitry Klimenko, 2017 International Sand Sculpting Festival on Revere Beach
