Using hybrid workshops to integrate online and in-person learning in a public-speaking course

Abstract

Institutions are increasingly supplementing their traditional class formats with hybrid approaches that mix in-person, remote synchronous, and remote asynchronous delivery methods. Even when the student population expects and appreciates more flexibility in scheduling, students still struggle with technology-enhanced instruction when course design does not effectively integrate such enhancements into “regular” in-person activities. Using hybrid workshops in the public-speaking course allows students to access recorded instruction, carefully managed online collaboration, guided practice, and reflective writing activities that improve the quality of their speeches while giving them practice in the workplace skills of teamwork and mediated communication. The structure of the hybrid workshops also means that course workload is consistent with its stated contact hours, even when the course does not meet completely in person.

Courses

This semester-long assignment series was used successfully for a hybrid introductory public-speaking class and is being adapted for use in a hybrid version of the basic communication course.

Objectives

Students will apply and practice public-speaking skills in both in-person and mediated contexts. Students will collaborate with peers both synchronously and asynchronously to develop specific skills related to public speaking.