Hybrid Learning: A Complete Guide

The COVID-19 pandemic proves that education systems are resilient. During the 2020-2021 school year, school systems worldwide made sure of one thing. That goal was to ensure students got their education through hybrid learning.

This type of modified learning system is not new, although many people still do not know what it is. Curious to know what it entails and if hybrid learning is something you should look into?

Read this guide to find out.

What’s Hybrid Learning?

The hybrid learning model is beyond creating a syllabus to teach a class online. It’s a comprehensive approach that combines the important aspect face-to-face learning has to offer in a blended way. Hybrid learning allows others who are not physically present to join at home.

Educators can now teach students who are with them and those who are not simultaneously. They do this by integrating video-sharing tools and other software.

Hybrid learning does not always have a virtual element. There are two types of models:

A remote or “in-person model”
The split time model

Teachers use the first model when a student chooses to learn online or in person. Students will complete work based on that choice.

The second model is more flexible. A student can split learning online and in-person. Either of the two bridges physical and online learning, which helps provide a complete education.

Hybrid learning uses synchronous learning where the material is provided to online and in-person students simultaneously. It also includes the opposite where students learn “non-live.” Hybrid classes can have online discussion forums, video conferencing, and pre-recorded videos.

What’s the Difference Between Hybrid Learning and Online Learning?

Many students have become familiar with online learning when it comes to classes. However, hybrid learning is a different approach, and it is not quite the same.

The difference between online learning and hybrid is that online learning does not have any in-person components. The materials and interactions online teaching provides are asynchronous. This means students have more control over the pace of their learning.

Teachers who implement hybrid learning also meet with their students and communicate via e-mail, discussion boards, and text. However, there is that in-person element that provides a more blended format of learning.

Blended learning is still not the same as hybrid learning, although some blended learning does happen with hybrid learning. Blended learning requires every student to be in the classroom around the same time.

Hybrid learning is an aspect of blended learning using the flipped classroom approach and the SCALE-UP method. Blended learning encompasses integrated digital and web-based learning tools in the education system.

Teachers will not be the only ones teaching either. Specific software can also deliver teaching, even while a student is in person at school.

What Are the Benefits and Ways to Success With Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning combines virtual and in-person teaching to provide a better learning experience, with a few perks. The main being that it allows for a more flexible learning experience for students. It has four primary benefits.

Better Flexibility

There is more flexibility in their schedules, the teaching modes, and how students interact with the material they get. The level of communication between teachers and students is also better. This flexibility is helpful for students learning in-person and at home.

Better Communication

Hybrid learning keeps the intimacy of in-person discussions between peers and teachers. This is especially important for students who will need to collaborate and complete presentations, group assignments and take part in deep conversations.

This will increase networking opportunities regarding the connections students make with their teachers and fellow peers.

Better Discipline and Accountability

Hybrid teaches students to have more discipline with their education. Students don’t have a rigid schedule nor a teacher around to emphasize due dates on assignments. Students start to learn to gain time management skills.

Online classes are void in face-to-face interactions, which can hurt accountability and increase the dropout rate. Hybrid classes can maintain the in-person classroom time students need to get the help and focus they need to remain in class.

Better Freedom

There is also more freedom for independent academic exploration for students who do a great job with self-learning. These students work well under conditions where they have more freedom. There are options for students who can choose where they want to learn and revisit materials as much as they need.

Success in Hybrid Learning

Hybrid classes can pave the way for success for all students so long as it follows the right approach. To accomplish this, hybrid classes do require extensive preparation.

This will help teachers create goals that will benefit the students. Preparation allows educators to plan what type of hardware and software they will use.

It allows educators to set a schedule and create online content before the start of every semester. Teachers can choose what they want to present live and offline.

A good hybrid program doesn’t overwhelm students. It’s essential to include meaningful face-to-face time. It’s helpful to provide prompts that help increase confidence in self-learning.

Choosing the Hybrid Learning Method

Before the coronavirus pandemic, the idea of hybrid learning was limited. Only a few places would take advantage of it. The use of learning will not go away even when the COVID crisis is over.

Online learning is now something that learning institutes will continue using and improving. What our learning system used as an emergency measure will remain mainstream now and for years to come.

If you found this article helpful, be sure to read more informative content at Online Geeks.