Systems Thinking and Hybrid Learning: An Exploration of Complexity Theory in an Undergraduate Writing Classroom

Around 2011, hybrid learning became an official delivery modality for education. Hybrid learning is defined as the blend of online and face-to-face learning. The ratio of that blend, however, is often defined by state and higher education standards. At Virginia Tech, ALCE 3624: Communicating Agriculture in Writing is a hybrid delivery undergraduate writing course. The purpose of this study was to explore the system of hybrid learning in this course at a land grant university. This research used a qualitative methodology with a case study approach. Data was collected via four different measures: cognitive maps, cognitive map narrations, fieldnotes, and a survey. These measures collected data regarding the role of the teacher, student, and technology within ALCE 3624: Comm Ag in Writing. This study found that the student experience of learning was affected by noteworthy course content and face-to-face interactions. Further, students connected the course content and interactions to future implications of the coursework, appreciating how differentiation of learning affect the overall experience. Further, the study found that intentional course design was critical in hybrid learning. Within course design, the value of face-to-face interactions, online learning, and the blend of online and face-to-face learning were key factors. Additionally, the importance of teacher relationships and feedback and implications for the future were also significant. Finally, the dynamics between the teacher and student were found to be influential to student growth, the learning process, and face-to-face interactions. These findings are expected to be helpful in furthering the understanding of hybrid learning as a delivery modality. Specifically, the implications for practice are helpful to understanding hybrid learning in higher education, especially regarding course design, relationship building, differentiation of materials and practices, and technology use and accessibility. The implications for research show that higher education needs a better understanding of the future of hybrid learning, delving into the complexities of the delivery across all subject matters. Further, there is a need for training for teaching hybrid learning courses.