Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic radically disrupted every aspect of life, including education. This disruption left educational institutions clamoring for systems and structures that ensure a continuation of learning for all students. Remote learning experiences implemented by schools and universities during the pandemic revealed challenges, including equity, access, and capacity. As quarantine orders end, school systems around the world are examining the best ways to meet on campuses and connect with students remotely. Schools and universities are exploring different educational models to meet the needs of their students, including:
- Partial opening - Some schools and institutions of higher learning are allowing only specific students to return to campus. Groups eligible for returning to campus include younger students, students with special needs, and students without access to devices that enable remote learning. Other students will continue their education in a virtual environment.
- Synchronous and separated - Some educational institutions are conducting face-to-face and online instruction at the same time. Some students are in person while others are joining the same class remotely.
- Rotational - Other schools are rotating 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 those students who had been working remotely go to school while the others students work asynchronously off campus.
A hybrid learning environment is a mix of all the models. 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." (Fullan 33)
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. It's human-centered. In short,
"The hybrid model combines the best of in-school and remote learning, with digital engagement. It's more than a quick fix. It is a way to enhance and accelerate learning by providing student-centered approaches to meet diverse learners’ needs." (Fullan 9)