Online learning, or distance learning, has become a popular form of education, and conventional institutions all over the country are offering a wide range of classes over the Internet. One major advantage of Internet courses is that students can easily plan their class time around work and personal demands. One disadvantage of online learning is that contact between teacher and student and among students is limited to Internet communications, and can seem an isolating experience.

A new kind of class, the hybrid class, is changing that. In a hybrid class, computer-based learning is combined with on-site class time, where students meet with the instructor and each other for lectures, collaborative projects and more. The class thus combines the personal feedback and interconnection with teachers and students with much of the scheduling flexibility of a strictly online class. The ratio of on-site work to online course work varies from class to class, so check with the instructor before you sign up to see what the projected time demands are, both online and in-person.

One problem with a hybrid class is that you have to be in the vicinity of the college or university to take part. A student in New Hampshire, for instance, is out of luck if he wants to take a hybrid course in Phoenix, Arizona - unless he's got quite a lot of money for airline tickets. Luckily, this form of learning is becoming popular all over the U.S.; chances are there are excellent hybrid classes offered at a college or university near you.