When the COVID-19 pandemic started, many teachers and learners engaged with online technologies for the first time. As a way to continue teaching and learning, online learning was a solution for education to continue during a challenging time 

But exactly what is hybrid learning? Are there benefits to a hybrid model that can’t be found within a typical face-to-face course design? Read on for our complete guide to all things hybrid!

What is Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning combines online with synchronous or on-site learning. With hybrid course design, parts of the curriculum are taught online while other activities are taught in a classroom setting.

This method is great for encouraging students to be accountable for their learning while still granting them flexibility.  By meeting face-to-face, they can talk with their peers and teachers in a communal learning environment about what confuses them or where they need more help with concepts or assignments

These options make it popular for teachers who are looking to reach a wider range of students. With multiple methods of learning — there’s something for everyone.

Why Consider Hybrid? 

There are plenty of benefits of hybrid learning, which is why it’s become such a popular method of education. These benefits include:

1. Better Student Engagement

Some students have grown up in an era of smartphones, tablets and other gadgets; they are likely already comfortable working and learning with the help of technology.

Incorporating technology into the learning environment allows teachers to communicate with students and share course material in a medium where students are confident and secure.

2. Variability for Learners

The sheer variety of digital content in the typical online course component — text, video, quizzing and interactives — gives students more agency over their learning and enables them to engage with course material in the ways they learn best.  

Some students will prefer reading text over watching videos. Others vice-versa. Still, others may first tackle the course content through self-quizzing. All are valid approaches if they contribute to learning. The digital medium gives students more power over their learning.

3. Flexibility for Teachers

Educational technology expands the reach of teachers beyond classroom sessions and office hours. Automated grading frees up time to connect with students in more personal and impactful ways. Using technology, teachers now have access to more pedagogical tools to engage and challenge more students. 

The flexible options that teachers have at their disposal make it easier to help students to learn the material. The flexibility for learning and studying is vital in any student’s learning process.

4. Personalization & Connection

With hybrid courses, students are able to interact with their peers outside of class hours to support and teach each other in ways that all students can participate in. This is an advantage for the students — it allows them to take control over their own learning and let their curiosity guide them. Hybrid learning  may help their comprehension of the material when they are given opportunities to collaborate with their peers

5. Day One Access

Online materials are usually less expensive than physical textbooks and, in the case of open educational resources, available immediately to students. Plus, it’s a time saver because if a student misses an in-class lesson, there’s an online option available to them. If they schedule time after-hours with a teacher to catch up — they can come to the meeting prepared.  

What are the Different Models for Hybrid Learning?

These learning methods aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution — there are a few different models that teachers have been following. These hybrid learning examples include (but are not limited to):

1. Online Lab

An online lab method uses digital tools. The materials for the course are available to the students using a learning management system or other platform selected by the teacher.

2. Flipped Classroom

In a flipped classroom, students spend time at home or away from a physical classroom to learn at their own pace. Once that’s done, the class will meet in person to talk with their teacher, ask questions and complete their homework based on the material they learned online.

3. Multimodal Learning

A multimodal or Hybrid-Flexible (HyFlex) course design enables a flexible participation policy for students, whereby students may choose to attend face-to-face synchronous class sessions in-person (typically in a traditional classroom) or complete course learning activities online without physically attending class.”

Not only does this help them with their classwork, but it also helps students balance their personal lives.  That is why it’s such a popular method of learning (especially for working adults). 

How to Make Your Hybrid Course More Efficient

Now that we understand the benefits, how can we make it work for you and your students? There are a few things that are worth keeping in mind when you’re designing a course:

  • Understand why you are using hybrid learning. At the end of the day, this is about creating a better learning environment for your students. 
  • Focus your time to help students succeed. It’s all about giving each student the best chance to progress.
  • Stay connected to your students. With hybrid learningYou can  take advantage of courseware featuresto maximize your connection with students. Use features like automated messaging encourages and motivates your students to stay on task 
  • Use an “Ask The Teacher” Discussion Board. Whether you hold office hours online or in-person, be sure that your students know when and how they can reach you. Whether it be answering their questions, reviewing their work or checking in, they will know that you’re there for them.

Add Lumen Learning into Your Course

If you think that hybrid learning is the logical next step for your students and classroom, then you’ve come to the right place. Lumen Learning helps you unlock the power of effective teaching and learning with a massive catalog of course materials, award-winning digital courseware, community-focused professional development, and more.

Learn more about how Lumen Learning can help you stay connected to your students!