Hybrid learning
Overview
Teachers can bridge the gap between online learning and learning physically in school with the right tools in hand.
“Hybrid learning is a delivery system that utilizes the best of online learning tools and resources to shift the instructional model toward student-centered, highly personalized approaches. Hybrid learning makes it easier for teachers to be empowered with technologies that allow personalization.” Hybrid learning is a teaching method where teachers instruct in-person and remote students at the same time. In hybrid learning models, asynchronous teaching methods can be used to supplement synchronous, face-to-face instruction. Hybrid learning comes with its pros, including increased interaction with peers and instructors, greater involvement in a course, more flexible scheduling and an interactive learning environment. Hybrid learning comes with its pros, including increased interaction with peers and instructors, greater involvement in a course, more flexible scheduling and an interactive learning environment.
Role of Technology
Hybrid learning is here to stay. It is upto us as education technologists to design learning environments that combine the best of both the in-person learning environment and the online learning space. Below are some points for consideration that will help make the hybrid learning model a successful one:
- To keep track of where students are slackening and to make the teaching-learning process more interactive
- Taking steps to overcome the ‘Digital Divide’ that may pose as a significant barrier for equality in remote instruction
- Course Design and Lesson Plan – The teachers will need to structure their lessons differently to make it more focussed and intentional as class time will be limited and teaching will have to be more purposeful.
- Parents and guardians become very important stakeholders in a child’s learning to ensure that the child is completing the work that is assigned to her
- Role of Teachers as ‘mentors’ – Teachers will be required to regularly engage and motivate students so as to help them navigate the unique challenges brought upon them in wake of the unprecedented pandemic.
Benefits of Hybrid learning
Engaging parents in the learning conversation
Challenges of Hybrid Learning
- It is not possible to simply take the traditional model and try to fit it into the online learning framework.
- Task of teachers to regularly engage and motivate students
Students will need to take on more responsibility for their learning.
Online temptations can distract students easily.
- A typical hybrid course emphasizes volunteering, working with groups online, and taking initiative more than in a traditional face-to-face course.
- Hybrid learning with respect to distance courses is questioned in terms of socialpresence or the degree of interactive salience between interpersonal relationships.
Over approach towards Hybrid Learning in overcoming these challenges
making a start
In order for us to see how we can raise the bar for technology in learning, it’s important to have a common understanding of the world we live in today, areas where technology can have a more significant impact in learning, and how we’re supporting and working with schools around the world.
