These are two helpful hints that I think if you use you will find the class to be a lot of fun. I think, as I did, you will really enjoy having a class where you only meet once a week. It was a very enjoyable class and I think if you take the advice you have been given it will be a successful class for you.
C.

Mike Rodriguez
ENG 101 12:15
December 4, 2000
Advice Letter

Dear Future Hybrid Student,

I would first like to encourage you to remain in this course, do not let the internet/computer aspect intimidate you. Prior knowledge of this sort of technology is in no way a prerequisite for your success in this course. One need only have basic computer skills; even then, his peers and instructor will coach him along the way. As for the English and class atmosphere, the course definitely meets its responsibility. Therefore, the hybrid format in no way negates the academic credibility of the course.

On a personal level, I have enjoyed taking this course. It has taught me basic computer skills, and allowed me take advantage of the non-in class days. I found this course to be surprisingly less stressful than others as it allowed me to enjoy lunch, music, and whatever else possible while editing a paper online and receiving an A for the day. Overall, this course is one in which I would recommend to any student in the future.

Nathan Buchman
Eng 101 12:15
Letter To Future Hybrid Students

Honestly, when I signed up for this course, I had no idea that it was a hybrid english class. I was surprised when I learned that we would only be meeting in class once a week. It’s quite different from the normal routine of meeting with your class and teacher almost every day. It gives you a little more freedom than a traditional class, but that freedom can be trouble if you don’t know how to use it. I would advise that students seriously consider the online meetings as actual class time and complete online assignments on time. It is a relatively fast paced class and it’s easy to fall behind so students should avoid procrastinating. Sometimes thinking of online assignments as less important can lead to waiting until the morning of the meeting to complete the assignment.
One thing that is sometimes troublesome is technical problems with the webboard and e mail system. Although it is rare, computer problems can sometimes put a burden on the progress of the class. Working from home is less stressful than having to go to class and I don’t feel that there are many deficiencies in what is learned online as opposed to being in class.
Overall, I would say that I enjoyed the class. I would take advantage of a hybrid, or totally online course, if ever offered to me again.

Thanks,
Nathaniel Buchman

To whom it may concern,

I am writing this letter to all of the students who will be or are considering taking an English hybrid course next semester. The hybrid course is unlike anything you have taken. It is an entirely new format and, as with anything, has its positive and negative aspects.
There is a lot to be said about the hybrid format that wants me to take another course like it. First and foremost is the ability to take a class from the comfort of your own room. I took an English class that met on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Thursday class was just like any other English class, with normal discussions and lectures and peer editing and the whole bit. But on Tuesdays we met via the Internet. In these Internet meetings we could have on line discussions in a chat room, post our papers for all of our classmates to read and edit, and we completed assignments that were given to us via the Internet. All of this could be done in my room right after I woke up. I never had to worry about getting to class on time because I was in class as soon as I signed onto web board. Web board was a very easy to use web space that all of our classes took places in. It was so nice not having to really get up and go out to get to class. The web board made all of the posting and editing easy to do. We could all communicate through paging one another and chat rooms in web board as well. Then on Thursday we could clarify the troubles in our web meetings and work on things that could not be done via the Internet.
The hybrid class is not without flaw though. At times it became difficult to determine exactly what was being asked of us in the web board directions that our instructor would post before each meeting. Then not all people have as much access to a computer with the Internet as I do. And not all computers are the same. Many people had trouble opening files that had been attached to posts in web board. But this problem was ultimately eliminated when we decided it would be best if no one used attachments in their posts.
The whole experience was one definitely worth while. It was a fun and interesting way to learn about and share writing. I highly recommend it. If you have a computer and it is offered at the right time for your schedule then the hybrid class is the way to go.

Yours truly,
Skyler Shipley.

From:  Kristen Hellwig
Date:  Tuesday, December 05, 2000 11:30 AM
Advice Letter

Dear Future Hybrid Students,
The first and foremost thing that you must become accustomed to doing is not relying on the teacher to tell what to do all the time. You need to be responsible enough to read the syllabus on a daily basis and check your email or web board to see what will be expected for the next class. Also, make sure that your schedule allows for travel time between the computer you will be using and the your other classes. I wish that I known before registering that I would only have a ten minute passing time between the end of my online session and my geography class. I would have liked to have been able to use a computer at home or at my father’s office, but because of the short passing time, I had to wait in line twenty minutes before class started to use a computer in the computing commons.
Another seemingly obvious, but very important issue to think about when taking a hybrid course is your computer capabilities. Most people know how to use a computer, but if you are not completely comfortable with the internet and word processing programs, then you might have difficulty adjusting this type of class.
None of these things are necessarily bad things, but it is important to keep some of this in mind when signing up for a hybrid course. I personally liked the hybrid course. At times it was difficult not having the teacher there in person to ask questions, but the teacher is always available by email, so it was not that bad. I also liked that all of our work was kept in web board, so I was able to access past assignments easily. Mostly, I liked the fact that we were able to share our rough drafts with our other peers and teacher and receive their comments about our papers.
Overall, I think that if the student is prepared for what the hybrid course entails and is willing to try something new, then the course is very interesting and highly effective. I would take another hybrid class.  I really enjoyed it.

Good luck in the class,
Kristen Hellwig
 
Christina Ware
English 101 12:15

Dear Future Hybrid Student:
I was in the English 101 Hybrid course; first of all I would highly recommend this course for those of you who live at home. I had Internet class on Tuesdays and regular class on Thursdays. It worked out great because on Tuesdays I didn’t have any other classes so I didn’t have to commute. That is a great reason to take this course. Also it was a new experience, we attended class in the engineering building and we got to use computers for every assignment. Our class was small and we got to know each other better.
When we first started the course I didn’t really know about how the course actually worked, but then I learned about the Webboard and how that works and it ended up working out great. We turned in our assignments, checked in with the teacher, and did our class work from our own home. I also really enjoyed the writing projects, it was a new experience for me and I learned from them.
One word of advice for a future hybrid course is you really need to pay attention to what the teacher says and always take notes on what she assigns. Also I found that when the teacher uses examples in class, you should write them down and refer to them when you are doing your assignment. You should also never be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure about something. I found it to be very helpful when I was in doubt. This course is a great course and I hope you do experience it, even for just one semester. Good luck to you in your future English course.
Sincerely,
Christina Ware
 
Advice Letter
By: Kimberly Brito
December 4, 2000

Dear Future Hybrid Student,

Where should I begin? Well, first of all I want to say this semester has been an experience. When I was put into this class I did not know what I was getting into. I thought “Cool, I only have to come to school one day a week for this class and then the online part will be easy!” Boy was I wrong. I am not saying that this class was extremely hard, but it was nothing like I had expected. So my advice to you as a new hybrid student is to try to stay on top of your assignments. Even though, you do not have to come to class one day, you still have to be online and doing work. The online sessions are just like class and you have to treat it that way. During the beginning of the semester I was not used to how things were supposed to be happening so I slacked off when it came to being online and having your assignments ready. So just make sure to not take advantage of the online part of the class because it can come back to haunt you.

Another piece of advice is to be open-minded. This class will force you to think outside of your box, so to speak. You will write about why you write, and you will use different styles of writing. It is not your basic English class where you read a book and then write a five-paragraph essay on it. Do not get me wrong, the class is a lot of fun. I personally found the class to be very interesting. I enjoy writing about myself and some of the assignments that we did were based off of personal experiences. Well I hope my advice helps you for next semester. Good Luck!

Sincerely,
Kimberly Brito
 
Aron Cline
English 101
J Van 12:15

To all incoming English hybrid students,

When I registered for my first English class I had absolutely no idea it was going to be a hybrid class. I first learned of it during the first week of school. At first I struggled with the idea, but then came around. I would say that you shouldn't take this class if you cannot get to a computer easily, or don't even really use one. You don't have to be a computer whiz to take this class, but you do have to have some interest in the internet and some knowledge in computers.
My main problem was at the beginning of the semester, because I didn't feel really ready for class on the Internet days. I never really felt confident in what knowing what I needed to do for those days. Make sure you know what you are going to need to do on those particular days, because there isn't someone sitting next to you to ask. As with any other class, you have to be prepared.
The thing I really liked about the hybrid class was only having to go into the classroom once a week. I liked being able to be at home and logging on the Webboard and getting my work done there. And, if there is an assignment that all you have to do is post it, if you do it and post it early, you don't even need to show up on that day. Overall, once I got the understanding of the class down, I really enjoyed having a hybrid class, and would take one again.
 
A.
 

Elysia Roser
Eng 101 1:40
Advice Letter

Future hybrid students,
What can I say that would help you prepare for this class? The majority
of what I would think is helpful advice is to know what the hybrid course
is before you take it. When I made my schedule, I had no idea that it was
a hybrid class, what a surprise I had on the first day of class! I think the
idea of a hybrid class is good, I liked the concept of only meeting in class
one day a week and on the computer the other day. It made it easier,
because living off campus, I could stay at home and relax, but yet I was
still in class.
If you don't have your own computer or access to a roommates, this class can
be a little difficult at times. Especially during midterms and finals, sometimes
I'd have to wait in line for half an hour to get a computer.
It made planning on going to class a little difficult, often
I skipped lunch just to make sure I had time to wait for a computer on
campus. Doing things on the computer, definitely made peer editing
easier, I think. It's sometimes hard too, when your partner doesn't show
up, but that can happen in any class. I don't really know what kind of
advice would be helpful, I think that this class, as far as posting
assignments and things like that, was easier than a regular class. Just
make sure you have access to a computer, because if you're five minutes
late, you're absent and we all know what those lines at the computer labs
are like sometimes.
Good luck,
Elysia Roser

Nadia Hayat
12-5-00
English 101 1:40

Advice for Future Hybrid Students,
This class is a very difficult class if you need your assignments explained
in detail and if you do not have a computer. At times it can be very
frustrating because the class meets online on certain days, and if you
have computer problems you are in trouble. This can become a larger
problem because if you are “supposedly” not there you are counted
absent. The thing I thought was the worst was when you were actually
there and having problems with the computer, and you are counted
absent. The problems that come with computers is a major upset.
Another thing is that, the assignments are unique, not like a normal
English class. If you are willing to put in extra time and if you like
something challenging then this would be the class for you.
The good thing about this class is that if you have questions you can
e-mail the teacher and she replies back to you as soon as she can.
Another good reason to take this class is because all your work in online
and so is everyone else’s. You can read your peers papers and get some
ideas for yourself, also on the syllabus online there are examples of
certain papers that have been approved by the teacher as guides. One of
the things I personally enjoyed was the paging system on the WeBboard.
You can page the teacher or your friends to ask questions or just talk
about something. One other benefit about this class is that it meets only
one day and the other day is online. It helps out especially if you have a
computer at home because then you don’t have to wait to use one. The
most important thing to make sure you know that the class you are
taking is what you really want.
Sincerely,
Nadia Hayat

Layla Laney
English 101 (1:40)
Advice Letter

Future Hybrid students,

There are many things that you should know, before registering for a
hybrid class. This class may seem like an escape from work, or an easy
way out of class. However, this is all wrong, for it is a very busy,
tiresome, and serious class.
First of all, you must consider these main things, before even considering
the class…
*Your own computer. Although this is not mandatory, and you may also
use ASU’s computers in the Computing Commons, it is much easier to
have your own computer, that you may stay up late on, or log onto last
minute, to make any necessary changes or add any needed detail.
*Enough time in between classes, to get to your dorm room, or wherever
your computer may be. If you do not have enough time to get home, for
example, by the time the online class begins, you will most likely be
counted absent, which IS NOT accepted in this course.
Those are two main things that you must consider, before entering this
class.
Another thing that you should think about before deciding that this is the
right class for you, is if you are a punctual student. For this class, you
may only miss 4 days. This is less than the standard English class, and if
you are one to sleep in for class very often, the hybrid course will be
extremely difficult. This is not an easy class to make up incomplete work
in either. Assignments will always be turned in either in class, or posted
online, unless told otherwise by the teacher. This means, that you must
have everything done on time, and you must be a responsible student, to
make sure that everything is turned in on time.
Although this class may seem extremely difficult to some people, it
definitely has its positive characteristics as well. Imagine only one day in
the class a week, the other day you may sit at home, or wherever your
personal computer may be, and do your work in your own private space.
This may be good for you, if you need quiet space to do work and
concentrate in.
It is difficult, to understand what is exactly going on in this class at all
times. It may seem confusing, what is due in class, online, and what is
due when. This is not the student, or the teacher’s fault. You must just
be sure to go to class, and take detailed notes in a planner, to be
completely organized and to understand what is due and when. I think
that it is more difficult to know what is going on al the time in this hybrid
class, for it can get a bit confusing if you are not computer-friendly.
Although I have figured out the negative traits of this class the hard way,
I can honestly say that I would recommend this class to anyone who can
handle it, and I would most definitely take a hybrid class again. The main
thing, is to have patience, punctuality, and to be responsible. It may take
a while to get used to, but with Ms. Van’s help, and time, it will become
much easier.
Ms. Van is very good at responding to all of your questions. E-mailing
comes in handy here, and is extremely helpful, when in trouble at the last
minute. She also helps a lot in her office, for when you need to meet with
her on a more personal level. This is good, to have all of these options,
which you might not have in a non-hybrid class. I hope that this letter
will help you out, when deciding whether or not you will do well in a
hybrid course. Just remember, if you can budget your time well, and need
the extra time to relax at home, instead of being in a cold, uncomforting
classroom, this is the course for you!
Good luck,

Layla Laney
 

Joe Piini
12/4/00
English 101 TTh 1:40
Ms. Van

Dear future hybrid students,
Before signing up for a hybrid English class, there are some considerations
which should be taken into perspective. First of all, your personal
knowledge and comfort with the computer should be considered first. Half
of the class time will be spent on the computer, and if you are not
comfortable with this, there is no reason why one should register for a
hybrid course. One must be able to post and reply rough drafts and final
drafts by the deadline time, and if you had some sort of trouble and your
computer would not let you post, then you will be counted absent for
that class, even though you might have been online with the class the
entire time.
Another important thing to remember is that one must stay
focused throughout the online discussion, where many distractions are
able to happen. Friends may stop by, the phone may ring, and you can
also get distracted by the internet or the computer itself. Time
management becomes extremely vital in a class such as this. With all of
the distractions and the ability to work at home, one must have discipline
to finish the online discussion and the time management to be able to
allot certain time to this work.
One benefit is that it will increase your knowledge with the computer.
Using it for class will increase your confidence and it will ultimately
benefit you in the future. The email system is also important to this class,
being one of the major ways in which students and staff can communicate.
Using all of these dimensionsof the computer will enable one to become more familiar with them, thus giving a more well rounded comfort of the computer. Although all of this
may seem confusing, I believe that the hybrid course is a great way to
go.
I liked this hybrid so much this semester, I registered for another
hybrid class next semester. Just stay on top of your work and make sure
to know the assignment, and then calmly work on your assignment from
the comfort of your own home!
J.

Emily Huser Advice:
My advice for future hybrid students planning on taking this course is to
know what you're getting into. I had no idea when I signed up for this
class that it was an internet course, otherwise I for sure wouldn't have
taken it.
If you do choose to take it, make sure that you have easy and
dependant access to a computer/internet at all times. If you don't you'll
be s****** and you'll s**** your partner that you're supposed to meet
with on line. Also be aware that to take this course, you should be
moderately familiar with how to use a computer and the internet. I was
not, and this caused a whole lot of unneeded added stress and anxiety to
my school days.
Always, always check the webboard for any new updates and assignments
cause it changes ridiculously on you as soon as you turn your back.
Keep up and don't fall behind, this class is just as real
and just as challenging, if not more than any other English 101 class. Not
only are you learning the regular curriculum of english, but you're also
trying to learn how to use the computer and all the crap about that.

Em.

Dear Future Hybrid Students,
Before deciding to sign on for the semester, here are a few cautions and
points of advice for all of you blue chippers to hybrid courses. The most
important thing to keep in mind is that this course is not any easier than
a regular English course. Know that just because your class only
physically meets once a week it doesn’t mean that you professor will
expect any less from you. This is especially important to remember when
it comes to deadlines. Assignments can be due at a certain time just like
in any other class, and computer difficulties are no exception. I don’t
know how many times I’ve listened to an argument a student was having
with the professor about how it wasn’t their fault that their computer
wasn’t working. This is as irrelevant at explaining to the teacher that the
dog ate your homework.
Also I’d like to mention that it is especially important that you check to
see what assignments are due frequently, or refer to the syllabus for due
dates. Because your professor only sees you once a week they won’t be
able to constantly remind you when assignments are due. This was
probably my and many other’s biggest problem. Check the web even on
the days that you don’t have class to give yourself time to do any
unexpected assignments. It doesn’t take much time and it saves you a
whole lot of embarrassment on the days you do meet and don’t have the
work.
I know this all sounds a little difficult, but there are some definite
advantages to taking a hybrid class. An obvious plus was being able to sit
at home in my raggedy boxers and T-shirt with hair that could offend
Satin while attending class. It was also nice being able to read other
student’s papers for examples when you weren’t sure what the
assignment was exactly. On the other hand there is the impersonal
factor. It’s kinda sad when you’ve only got a class of eleven people and
still don’t know their names by the end of the semester. I also regret not
being able to get to know my professor better. While it seemed we had a
lot in common, we only got to talk a few times after the class on the
days that the class met. E-mails are always so short and to the point
that a person’s personality doesn’t really get to shine through.
Of course all of this may not matter to another individual, but that’s just
me. If there is one thing I can say to all of the apprehensive students,
it’s don’t be. Taking a class over the Internet sounds harder than it is.
Too often people see the word “computer” and run away without first
trying it. Professors aren’t brutal, they’ll understand that their students
might need a little help getting started, and really that’s all it takes. Once
you’ve been through the routine a couple of times it’s not so bad. If
anything it’s a new experience.

Sincerely,
Shelly Spencer

Dear Future Student,

In your decision to take a hybrid English class, I assume that you are
computer savvy. With the ability to work with computers on a regular
basis, there is also the constant possibility of computer and technology
malfunction. In the class you must remember first and foremost that this
is an English class. You must not forget this. Over the last semester, we
have been writing about things close to us, assignments that could be
easily done lightly. Instead, though, I encourage you to look deep within
yourself and do more than the assignment requires. Make it the best you
can do for yourself.

I know that it will get hard when you want to go online and your
computer freezes or crashes, but don’t be taken aback. There are worse
things in life and all will be okay. I don’t want you to worry about what
you will be doing with the class because Van will be there to help if you
have problems. She is nice, and will do all she can to help you along your
way.

So future 101 student, remember, you are here by choice, you are in
college now, you are not alone, and most important, you can take care of
yourself now.

Be Good-Not too much fun… this is a school,
Rosa Sanchez

Topic:Mackins/Advice Letter
Dear Future Hybrid Students:

I would like to tell you that taking a hybrid English course gives you more
freedom in you writing and time, however with that comes more personal
responsibility for your work and time spent on your work.

The benefits of taking a hybrid course are that it allows you more
freedom of time and is very convenient. One day a week, you can attend
class from virtually anywhere. You can wake up ten minutes before class
starts, roll over in your bed, and "go " to class. I even attended class
from a friend's computer when I was in Philadelphia for a long weekend.
You also have the freedom, in some cases, to turn in work early, by
posting on the webboard, so you don't have to worry about it later. You
can also commit as much and as little time to your work as you see fit
because you’re only directly answering to a professor one day a week.

However with this new found freedom comes more responsibility than your
regular English class. Lateness and absence penalties are strictly
enforced because you can go to class from anywhere; there isn't any
excuse for not being in class. Also, your work can't be late because the
old "my printer broke down" won't fly; you don't need a printer to turn in
your rough draft, just copy and paste it to the webboard. You also have
the responsibility to not only check the webboard, but also you email
everyday because assignments can be posted and assigned any day of
the week, even Saturday and Sundays. And remember there's no excuse
for late work. Sometime work can be due on a particular day and by a
particular time that might not fall on the day you have class. If you have
questions about your specific paper, as in you would like the professor to
proofread it, you have to make it your priority to see the professor during
his/her office hours.

So, there are a lot of advantages and disadvantages to taking a hybrid
course. The key thing to remember when in a course like this is to be on
top of all the assignments given, make sure when they are due and to
have them ready when they are due. If you keep these things in mind,
you should have no problem in a hybrid class. Good luck on your
semester.

Sincerely,
Alia Mackins
 
 

Reflection of English Hybrid Course
Vonn Ruppert
English 101, TTH

While one may first be under the impression that this course would require
complete independence, this class contradicts this notion. It is full of
interaction between students and the teacher. WebBoard is a website
that enables students to post assignments and gain feedback. Meeting
once a week is rewarding because it enables students to touch bases on
a physical level with others.
A limited amount of computer knowledge is necessary in order to succeed
in this class. This means that the student must be able to use the
internet in order to post assignments and a word processing program to
complete their essays. Also, it is important to save all information on a
disk in order to prevent losing assignments because of possible computer
failure.
The course is challenging and requires students to grasp new
perspectives on writing styles. For example, the student will learn the
process of writing in order to attain a finished product. The student will
learn how to use literary devices to better articulate meaning. As a
whole, this course will open new doors to writing that the student was
unaware of prior to taking this class.

Vonn

Topic: Richardson/advice

Dear Future English 101-Hybrid Students:
First off, I want to congratulate you on a smart choice. If you are reading
this then that means you have decided to take the hybrid English 101
class either purposely or accidentally. If you were like me and
accidentally registered for this course then my advice to you is to stick
with it. (The only reason I would switch out is if you have no access to a
computer) This has been my favorite way to take a class. In my opinion,
the online sessions are great. They can work to your benefit or they can
hurt you, however. With deadlines being posted so far in advance it is
easy to procrastinate with your work. So, you should not hesitate too
long to do your work. Otherwise you will be rushing to finish an
assignment at the last minute. In contrast, if you get your work done
early you can turn your class period into twenty-minutes. It is great
because during those online sessions where you have your work done
ahead of time you have time to do other things. Once, I did my laundry,
and another time I went and ate all while participating in class. This is not
to say that this is an easy class though. You must show up to all the
classes because things are due every session. You must not become
complacent because the workload suffocates you if you start to fall
behind. That happened to me and I fell behind pretty far on one
assignment. So, overall my main advice to you is to stay caught up, go to
all the classes, and relax because this is a very fun course.
Sincerely,
Jack

Topic:  Anderson/Advice (1 of 2), Read 8 times
 Conf: ENG 101 1:40
 From:  Michael Anderson ma349lotr@aol.com
 Date: Wednesday, December 06, 2000 11:13 AM

To any all students thinking about taking a hybrid course:

There are many problems that arise with a hybrid course but there are
also some advantages. At some point during the course you will have
some sort of computer problem that will make things very difficult. There
will be some time when you can't post your assignment, contact your
partner, or enter the class chat. You just have to realize this is going to
happen and deal with it. You can help improve this situation by only
taking the class if you already are comfortable with computers.

The advantages that come with taking a hybrid course are very nice. You
can be "in class" without worrying about your hair, anyone seeing you in
your sweats, or your teacher getting upset because you're chewing gum
or eating a pizza while she's talking. You don't have to worry about
fighting traffic after class because you'll already be home. In fact, you
can be in bed just minutes after class ends.

A hybrid class really isn't any more difficult than a regular class, it's just
different. Don't take a hybrid class if you don't have any idea how to use
a computer. But as long as you have some basic knowledge, you should
give it a try. As for myself, I enjoyed the class but I wont take another
until I get a more stable computer environment. But I will definitely keep
hybrid classes in mind when choosing future classes.

One last word of advice: don't schedule a regular class directly before a
hybrid class. Give yourself time to get to a computer and get on-line a
few minutes before class begins. This will allow you to address computer
problems early and save you a lot of stress.

Michael