In hybrid classes, instruction is delivered in a traditional classroom setting. However, all students who attend classes scheduled on campus are also required to perform online research and activities and submit assignments through OCUonline. In attempts to reduce the campus carbon footprint, OCU uses web technologies to complement the classroom setting. The OCUonline portion does not displace any time spent within the classroom setting. Rather, it enhances their campus experience to allow them the ability to stay engaged through discussions present within OCUonline outside of classroom hours. During classroom hours, in-class questions and discussions are strongly encouraged. Other instructional techniques may also be employed i.e. audio-visual presentations, speakers, critical thinking exercises and group activities.
Using computer-based technologies, instructors use the hybrid model to redesign some lecture or lab content into new online learning activities such as case studies, tutorials, self-testing exercises, simulations, and online group collaborations. Hybrid courses are presented in a unique way designed to give the student an integrated and flexible learning environment using a combination of traditional campus classes with the limitless resources of the internet.
It is possible to reach all instructors by email or OCUonline at any time. Instructors may also provide a local telephone number where they can be contacted. Hybrid instructors are available 15 minutes before and after class and during breaks. Hybrid instructors and students may also arrange a meeting at a day, time, and place convenient for both.
Hybrid instruction is held at either the main, branch, or satellite teaching site identified on the list of course offerings.
For 100% online students, OCUonline is the only means to deliver course materials and interact with the instructor. Standard classroom books and printed materials are typically used in combination with online lectures, assignments, and supplementary course materials. Online lectures may be entirely text-based or consist of some combination of text, graphics, sound and video.
As an online student, you are permitted to sit in the hybrid class meeting, space permitting. This option is open for all 100% online students. Please make arrangements with the instructor in advance.
It is possible to reach all instructors by email or OCUonline at any time. Online instructors may also provide a local telephone number where they can be contacted. Online instructors and students may arrange a meeting medium, day, and time convenient for both.
Online instruction is held within OCUonline.
OCU also utilizes untraditional technologies to deliver its instruction, including but limited to, digital textbooks, a learning management system, interactive whiteboards, simulation software, web-cameras, and interactive applications requiring students to use laptops, tablets, or smartphones. OCU utilizes traditional teaching methods, such as direct instruction, inquiry-based learning and the Socratic method. However, OCU also utilizes the untraditional flipped classroom model, a new instructional method that is gaining popularity.
OCU uses the Carnegie unit to measure semester credit hours awarded to students for course work. A semester credit hour is measured by the number of hours of academic engagement and preparation (homework). A semester credit hour is defined as 15 hours of academic engagement and 30 hours of preparation—totaling 45 hours of student work for an academic semester credit hour. Student work includes direct or indirect faculty instruction. Academic engagement may include, but is not limited to, submitting an academic assignment, listening to class lectures or webinars (synchronous or asynchronous), taking an exam, an interactive tutorial, or computer-assisted instruction; attending a study group that is assigned by the institution; contributing to an academic online discussion; initiating contact with a faculty member to ask a question about the academic subject studied in the course and laboratory work, externship or internship. Preparation is typically homework, such as reading and study time and completing assignments and projects.