Why hybrid learning?
Remote learning experiences implemented by schools and universities during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed challenges, including equity, access, and capacity. Several models were explored to meet the needs of students meeting remotely and on campus.
Partial opening
Partial opening allows only specific students to be on campus. Criteria are created to determine who is on campus and who works remotely in a virtual environment.
Synchronous and separated
The Synchronous and separated model conducts face-to-face and online instruction at the same time. Some students are in person while others join the same class remotely.
Rotational
This model rotates students on and off campus throughout the week. Students attend classes on campus on specific days while their peers asynchronously work remotely on the same days. On other days, the attendance flips and students who were working remotely go to school while the others students work synchronously off campus.
Hybrid learning
Post-pandemic, the lessons of that time inform the hybrid learning environment. This model is a mix of all these models. It integrates online instruction with traditional face-to-face class activities in a planned, pedagogically valuable manner.
A hybrid approach to learning builds on the successes of these models to intentionally create a learner-centered experience that is profoundly personalized, relevant, and engaging.
Within a hybrid model, learning centers on personal relationships. Using face-to-face and online platforms like Microsoft Teams, the hybrid model creates meaningful connections between students and ensures synchronous class time is used effectively. It focuses on authentic, relevant learning that provides students with voice, choice, and agency. Hybrid learning uses peer tutors, student self-assessment, and collaboration among instructors and students to design and carry out learning.
Hybrid learning for different age groups
A hybrid learning environment needs to take into account the needs of learners in different age groups. To help primary-age learners (grades K-2) succeed in a hybrid model stress connection, engagement, and feedback. Intermediate learners (grades 3-6) benefit from a focus on creating opportunities for choice, autonomy, and collaboration. They're developmentally becoming more independent, discovering what they can achieve alone and with their peers. Adolescent learners (grades 6-12) are experiencing rapid cognitive, emotional, and physical growth so a beneficial hybrid learning experience enhances executive functioning skills. Their hybrid classroom should model exemplary organization and communication structures, develop time-management skills and organizational systems, construct and apply their knowledge, and provide space to work together in formal and informal ways.