The University of Houston Embraces Hybrid Instruction
Introduction
Hybrid instruction has arrived at UH. This innovative approach constitutes the most rapidly increasing mode of instructional delivery in higher education today. Hybrid courses use online coursework to complement a reduced number of class meetings. This approach allows increased enrollment without a concomitant increase in classroom buildings, infrastructure, or services. In addition, hybrids afford students greater schedule flexibility and reduced commute time while still maintaining in-class face-to-face (f2f) interaction.
The UH initiative began with three hybrid courses offered in Spring 2004. Based on the success of these initial pilots, UH expanded its offerings to 29 hybrid courses for the Fall 2004 semester, and 47 hybrid courses in the Spring of 2005. This aggressive plan mirrors a dramatic increase in hybrid offerings in higher education nationally.