EXTRA CREDIT FOR NOT COMING TO CLASS?! USING HYBRID METHODS TO TEACH LARGE COURSES

Probably about 90% of all the credit hours geoscientists offer undergraduates are for introductory (survey) courses. At the University of Michigan we have been experimenting with hybrid versions of some of these large courses wherein students are encouraged to watch class remotely in teams of 2-5. The courses are broadcast live via a streaming server and students can still participate synchronously using LectureTools (http://www.lecturetools.com), which allows students to ask questions and answer questions posed by the instructor.

This talk will demonstrate the system (bring a laptop!) and describe lessons learned in terms of affects on student engagement and learning. Students report somewhat less engagement when watching class remotely though show no significant difference in learning from those who physically come to class. Most students prefer the face-to-face class but a subset of the class (about 20%) prefer to participate remotely and most appreciate having the option in case of illness or travel issues.