By Amanda Gomez/reporter

TCC offers hybrid classes that combine in-person lecture and online work to give students and teachers the opportunity to be flexible. 

Some people find it difficult to attend class on a daily basis. Hybrid classes make it possible to get an education and balance daily schedules.

TR and NW student Samantha Willars said taking a hybrid class has helped her since she attends multiple campuses.

“It is my first time taking one, and it’s easier for me because of my work schedule and work study,” she said.

Willars’ class met once a week and was convenient for her because of less commuting.

Depending on the instructor, sometimes hybrid classes can be challenging and fast-paced.

TR student Elaine Barron said she struggles with attention deficit disorder, and her hybrid class kept her busy.

“I have to be constantly challenged, and a part of that is the amount of work that is dependent on me as the student outside of the classroom,” she said.

All her tests and videos were online, and the classroom sessions were all lecture. Barron said the extra work kept her focused and pushed her.

“Out of all my normal classes last semester, I have the highest grade in this one,” she said.

Hybrid classes offer a new way of taking classes and merge traditional teachings with the future of technology.

“The instructor has the ability to offer different methods of instruction,” TR English professor Justin Brumit said.

Brumit taught a hybrid humanities class in the spring that incorporated video games with humanities lectures. His class met one day a week.

A benefit hybrid classes offer an instructor is more ways to develop work to do online from what was learned in class, Brumit said. This allows students to go over what they learned.

Hybrid classes work just like regular classes, and course material is given using the same scope.

“The workload depends on the instructor,” he said. “Some students find it easier while others find it double the work.”

With less meeting time for class, it is important to not be absent because that can cause some students to fall behind, Brumit said. Lectures are just as important as the online work.

“Some students work well in face-to-face while others work better in an online setting,” he said.