I recently came across an interesting paper called “Faculty Conceptions and Misconceptions of Hybrid Education Courses” posted by a not-for-profit organization called EduCause, which is dedicated to championing information technology in higher education. The study debunks a range of preconceptions in faculty about quality loss by using online education delivery systems.

It’s kind of an oddly formatted study in its Q and A style, but it raises some interesting points. I was fascinated to read that the University of Central Florida found that students in hybrid education programs performed better by 6% over solely online students or solely campus students. It definitely does add a little firepower to taking the best of both worlds in your study program.

Perhaps some of you aren’t familiar with hybrid education programs. I know that most people think of hybrid cars when they see the term “hybrid,” but this has nothing to do with fuel economy or cleaner energy. A hybrid education combines elements of online education with traditional classroom teaching. Some classes you can take from the comfort of your own home, and other courses you attend at a physical classroom. Certainly, a chemistry class probably is best taken on a campus where you have access to tools and lab equipment. But other parts of your education program might be just as easily completed online.

For instance, if you have general graduation prerequisites in your chemistry major like a history class, then you could take that class online while taking the science classes in person. What you can take online will depend on your specific program, but lately, schools have been offering more flexibility to students, not less.

Personally, I think this is a natural pairing, and it sounds like that for all intents and purposes, it’s helping students, as it should be.