Redesign of a Lecture-Based GE Course into a Hybrid Town Hall Course

The course is a high demand, required GE course where the number of sections and available seats, combined with the ability to successfully complete the course at a grade point of 2.0 or better (DFW rate), all clash to create a bottleneck. The DFW rate and bottleneck issues are such that native students need to take the course while facing roadblocks around access and successful completion of the course. Creation of an online hybrid / blended course can help alleviate this bottleneck, while with proper design and support, can also increase successful completion rates. Proper design can include targeting more students from a diverse environment, introducing inclusive learning themes, enhanced large class student participation, integrated writing assignments, all the while targeting first-generation college students.