Hybrid Learning Initiative

The world of HigherEd was a bit different in 2016 as many were exploring various facets of program delivery. This exploration required bravery on the part of faculty but also creativity as academic development practitioners worked diligently to inspire change.

I developed an interdisciplinary faculty development program known as the Hybrid Learning Initiative during my time at St. Lawrence College. The program was launched as a pilot which would later evolve into other initiatives and programs. At its core, the HLI program was meant to provide a playground for faculty to explore their practice in a safe and supportive environment.

Faculty were encouraged to experiment with different digital learning strategies and work with me to explore their practice as they piloted newly developed hybrid lessons/courses. My time facilitating this program enabled me to better understand the challenges faculty faced in modernizing their curriculum and creating a sense of ownership on their ability to select appropriate technology. It also highlighted the amazing efforts of academic leaders like Prof. Taunya Murphy, a hairstyling professor, that truly redefined her teaching style by embracing change.

I worked with ContactNorth so that I may highlight the efforts of faculty in HLI and Prof. Murphy’s contributions to teaching innovation.