Hybrid courses at Richwood gives student options

The new hybrid courses being offering at the OTC-Richwood Valley campus came at just the right time for Christina Polosky of Springfield.

Polosky, who is studying to become a teacher, was looking for a more convenient way to take a number of education courses and not spend too many long days at Richwood Valley, her campus of preference.

Polosky was intrigued with the hybrid offerings that allow students to take classes online and also get the face-to-face time with instructors. That’s exactly what the new courses, being offered for the first time this fall, will provide Polosky.

“This is the best of both worlds,” Polosky said. “I can come to campus one day a week to see the instructor and others in the class. How wonderful is that? I like the face-to-face part of class. I like discussing things in person.”

Polosky will be taking to education classes and one mathematics class in the fall. She said she would have taken more if more hybrid classes had been available.

Fridays at Richwood Valley will be dedicated to the hybrid classes that require one day of on-site instruction.

“Reducing the on-campus time to a single day will allow students in the hybrid courses to maintain their work, family and other obligations throughout the week, as well as to reduce their transportation costs,” said Jeff Jochems, president of the OTC Richwood Valley Campus. 

 “At the same time, it provides a balance for those students who benefit from in-person time with their instructor and collaboration with their classmates.”

Matt Harris, college director of OTC Online, said the hybrid courses at Richwood Valley offer students an option for those who want the traditional classroom environment while maintaining a job the rest of the week.

“Hybrid courses effectively combine the flexible schedule of online courses with the face-to-face interaction of the seated classroom experience,” Harris said.

Polosky, who plans to graduate with an associate of arts in teaching and go on to a four-year college to earn her bachelor’s degree, said she is looking forward to the convenience the hybrid courses offer.

“I’ve been telling everyone I can that I’m doing this. I think it’s going to be a good experience,” she said.

For more information about the hybrid courses, go to http://www.otc.edu/online/hybrid.php

Steve Koehler is coordinator of media relations at Ozarks Technical Community College.