| The use of hybrid learning (a blend of face-to-face and distance learning) is rapidly increasing in higher education. However, educational leaders have raised concerns about the proliferation of hybrid programming as an efficiency measure without appropriate attention to learning. This study examined the relationship between social, teaching and cognitive presence, pedagogical design, and students' perspectives on hybrid learning effectiveness. Data from thirty-nine undergraduate courses representing 1,886 students were analyzed to identify indicators of best hybrid practice. Aspects of social and teaching presence significantly influenced students' perceptions of learning, including facilitation of student interactions, assignment feedback and guidance, effective use of class time, and organizational integration of course concepts. Recommendations for hybrid institutional initiatives and programming include attention to framing "presence" in hybrid settings, using integrated inquiry to encourage integrated course design, and encouraging communities of inquiry to promote cross-institutional investigation of hybrid effectiveness. |
