Our Guide to Hybrid Learning (2024) |

Hybrid learning is an idea which we've witnessed more since the pandemic. This new learning model incorporates virtual and in-person students in the same class.

In this post We'll be discussing:

• What is hybrid learning.        
  
• The benefits and challenges of hybrid learning.        
  
• The differences between hybrid and blended learning.        
  
• A few of the methods and best practices to use for hybrid learning.        
  

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What exactly is Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning occurs where a learning space includes both in-person and virtual learners. That means some of the learners are physically present, and some will participate remotely-usually synchronously. In the case of a training seminar has people around a desk learning and others connecting via Skype, that's an example of hybrid learning. Hybrid learning may be utilized to accommodate people from different areas or different preferences for learning and offers more choices for people who cannot attend in person.

Hybrid learning, which consists of simultaneously broadcasting video and live classes, has been around for some time. For example, simulcast events were common for numerous companies. But-thanks to the pandemic-they have increased in frequency. For example, when pandemic restrictions placed physical limitations to the number of people who could be in a physical area, universities and colleges set space restrictions but opened up online viewing for courses.

While the health-related restrictions of public schools have been lifted (as at the time of writing this), hybrid learning has been a popular method to protect people's preferences for being in physical spaces. It's likely to be around for the long haul. As an example, in the outbreak, a number of religious institutions began streaming on YouTube. Even now, some participants have returned in person as well as watching live streams online.

What this means is that hybrid learning and engagement is expected to become the norm in large organizations. It's here to be for the long haul.

The advantages of learning in a hybrid way

Although many of us associate hybrid learning with the pandemic, it's not just about public health measures. Here are some of the advantages of hybrid learning:

• Flexible learning for students Learners can be flexible: A recent UNESCO research found that 82% of postsecondary students are interested in at least some online learning (41 percent want to learn online exclusively). Hybrid learning gives this option students the flexibility to learn.    
  
• It reduces the need for infrastructure: As we've seen at the live event, having people on the stage lets the educator tap into that energy and respond to their needs, yet there is a limit to the chairs that are within the space. That's what makes the hybrid event so effective. Many educators, teachers and coaches are discovering that they can open up online event venues without the need for physical space.    
  
• The new revenue streams range from colleges to business seminars, having access to the hybrid model of learning allows for more profit without the need for more seats. Virtual seats can be offered in unlimited quantities, possibly with a discounted price.    
  
• accessibility: UNESCO reports lower education graduation rates all over the world for students with disabilities, higher dropouts, and lower overall level of literacy. The hybrid learning model can benefit for this kind of accessibility (although it won't be the best solution for every learner). But even for adult learners having difficulty getting to school, hybrid learning could make learning accessible to people who would otherwise not be able to have access to it.    
  

• Studies on effectiveness have suggested that hybrid learning may prove just as beneficial for learners who are located elsewhere (if there isn't any greater).    
  
• Technological integration: Hybrid learners can benefit from all sorts of technology advancements, but especially when using a hybrid platform for learning. Apart from taking notes, watching and taking notes, they can utilize polls and queries and other content alternatives as well as discussions with peers and more. When done properly, technological integration can help enhance learning.    
  
• Collaboration Hybrid learning may benefit from collaboration tools, such as discussion boards as well as shared projects and other forms of virtual groupwork.      
  
• Data-driven insights: Finally, the instructor or institution can access data to help the institution understand what has worked and what didn't. Most online learning platforms have analytics in place to reveal how learners spend their time and how engaged they are.    
  

Hybrid learning: challenges and opportunities

• Classroom management: As classroom management is a challenge for the best of teachers, hybrid learning creates additional challenges. Having multiple types of learners can be a challenge. A majority of studies demonstrating the effectiveness of hybrid learning were of college students or higher: self-directed learners.      
  
• Barriers to technology: hybrid learning requires tech at both ends. In the classroom, it involves video, microphone or screen sharing. that is required to make sure that remote students can view and hear what's happening. For the student's end they'll require reliable internet and a laptop or mobile for watching.      
  
• Tech support: if students have technical difficulties and have difficulty addressing the issues. It could be helpful to have an IT department that is dedicated to.      
  
• Changes in teaching methods: Teachers working in a hybrid classroom need to meet learning goals but with a mix of students in person and online. It can be difficult.      
  
• Assessment: Evaluation can be tricky when some students are present in the class, and some are remote. For example, if you give a test, can the remote learners cheat? You must plan to create an accurate and fair test for learners who are hybrid.      
  
• Inclusivity: As we mentioned earlier, that learning via hybrid methods can increase the accessibility of education, but it could harm it. It's much easier for people with learning difficulties to fall through the cracks learning at their homes.      
  

Examples of learning in a hybrid way

• Lectures at the university with in-class and virtual participants.        
  
• Professional development workshops that's attended at company headquarters. It is also viewed from remote branches.        
  
• A language learning class in which learners take part in a classroom learning experience and communicate with their language partner on the internet.        
  
• Fitness classes take place in person but is live streamed via the internet or a app for fitness. app .      
  

What's the difference between hybrid and blended education?

Hybrid learning can be confused with blended learning. The two terms may be utilized to mean the same thing. However, they're not technically the same thing. Blended learning occurs where a teacher makes use of different learning methods for teaching students, both in person and online (e.g. using a discussion board, or other online project). By contrast, we use the term"hybrid learning" in reference to online and in-person learners for a concurrent learning experience.

• Hybrid learning is synchronous and blended learning may be synchronous, or even asynchronous.    
  
• Blended learning implies that the learners all receive the same electronic as well as in-person training. In a hybrid course, every student has a different experience of the program.      
  

We talk about hybrid events which mix of in-person and virtual attendees.

Tools for hybrid learning

1. Online learning platform

Hybrid learning generally requires an online learning platform. If you are an institution of higher education, you may have Learning software or an LMS already in use by the school that it employs. If not, instructors who teach hybrids could require an LMS.

The complete guide to the online platforms for learning here. But here are a few options:
Online learning software designed for companies and creators who are independent: Kajabi, Thinkific
Online learning institutions: Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard

2. Video conferencing tools

Online learning programs could have video conferencing capabilities included. Many do. Before you search for a video conferencing tool be sure to look.

In other cases, you might require videoconferencing in order to learn hybridally.
Video conferencing platforms: Zoom, Google Meet, Skype

3. Discussion tools

In addition, the top online learning platforms have this integrated. This means that you don't require it. For discussion tools consider platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack.

4. Microphone

In terms of stream or recording audio high-quality audio is among the most important things. It's hard to enjoy a bad audio feed but having blurry videos isn't a big issue with the clarity of an audio source.

Even a low-cost lapel mic or set of headphones with a microphone built-in can improve the sound quality. Some teachers may want using a professional-grade condenser microphone.

5. Video

Every modern smartphone and webcam can take decent video, so this might suffice for a few instructors. If not, it is possible to choose a professional video platform.

Strategies for learning in a hybrid way

1. Communicate

• Make sure you clearly communicate the expectations and schedule of your class. Be certain about the access requirements. Make sure you communicate log-on as well as tech information early and frequently.      
  

2. Training

• Make sure to teach students how to connect to online course materials and also how to make use of technology.        
  

3. Consistency

• Create a consistent program for your class materials to establish expectations and make it easier for students to access.        
  

4. Engaging content

• Be sure that the content is engaging for all learners. In other words, ensure that distant learners are able to view the slides and other visuals. Also, if you're using an electronic feature (e.g. the ability to poll or ask questions) be sure that students in the class can use the feature.      
  

5. Community-based building

• Create an active group of students in order to enhance course outcomes-help students make connections and collaborate.      
  

Ready to get started?

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