Hybridizing an Introductory Lab-Based Science Course

Science 100 is a large lab-based science course at UMBC. Instructors rely on Blackboard to distribute course information, collect assignments, and provide group-learning environments outside the traditional classroom. Over the past four years course elements have been modified so that it can be taught in hybrid format during summer and winter sessions. Modifications include substituting traditional face-to-face lectures with directed discussion board assignments, podcasts, and media-rich homework assignments while preserving hands-on laboratory exercises. Analysis of quiz and final exam questions common to both the traditional and hybrid formats indicate no difference in overall student performance.