About Hybrid Courses at GVSU
If you register for a course that is designated as hybrid, then you should expect to have "in-seat" class meetings, where you will come to campus to meet with your class, as well as online learning.
When you register for this format, you will see any required class meetings listed with the dates, times, and location. You may find only one required meeting, or more than half of the semester may formally meet. The remainder of the course is online.
It is common that you will meet during the first week of classes, in which case you will come at the designated time just as you would for a traditional course. There you will meet your professor and classmates, receive the course syllabus and orientation, and have your questions answered. If your hybrid course begins with an online component and you do not come to campus until later in the semester, then you will treat the beginning of the semester as an online course.
Find Your Course
When a hybrid course does not meet during the first week of classes, then you will not have a specific "start" time the same way a traditional on-campus meeting class will. You should access your course site in Blackboard no later than the first day of the new semester and look for the announcement and any instructions from your professor. Your professor should guide you to the course syllabus and any directions for getting started.
- TIP: Be sure to check your GVSU Gmail account in the days before the new semester begins.
- TIP: Login to Blackboard before the semester start and become familiar with the technology.
You may receive an email from your professor with instructions prior to the course beginning. If you do not receive pre-class correspondence from your professor, go to Blackboard and log-in with your username and password. If it is the first day of a new semester, you should see your course listed and can click on the link to access your course site. There you will find instructions from your professor for getting started. If you are registered in Banner and do not see your course before the first day of classes, your class may not be available to you yet. Email your professor if you are concerned, or wait until the first day of classes to look again.
Meet Your Classmates
You may be asked to post an introduction on the course discussion board (learn about the discussion board). That will be a great place to "meet" your classmates, so be sure to check back often as new classmates join you. Although your course will likely be paced similarly to an on campus course, you have the flexibility of being "in class" when it is convenient to you at any time, 24/7.
Virtual Office Hours and Live Class Meetings
Your professor may request one or more online "synchronous" class meetings. This means that, using an online technology, such as Zoom, you will log-in to the course site at the same time as everyone else and access a link to a "classroom." If you have a webcam, then your professor and your classmates will be able to see you when you talk. You will be able to see others who have webcams when they talk. With a microphone, you can speak and be heard. Although a microphone is recommended, there is also text-chat available. Check out the Zoom page and the Student Help for Blackboard website for support.