The advancement of technology in education is transforming the way students learn. The slow progression from typical classroom to digital learning escalated when the pandemic started. And now, when things are slowly returning to normal, people have gradually adapted to hybrid learning.
Hybrid learning is a form of education that combines both traditional classroom pedagogy and online learning practices. Here we’ll explain hybrid learning, its benefits, challenges to overcome, and best practices for successfully implementing hybrid classrooms.
Hybrid Learning – An Overview:
Most people believe that hybrid learning means half of the syllabus will be covered in offline classes and the remaining half will be taught online, but that’s incorrect.
In hybrid learning, teachers take both in-person and online classes simultaneously using video conferencing tools. That means some students attend in-person classes while others take virtual classes from home at the same time.
Sometimes, asynchronous learning tools like pre-recorded video lessons and online exercises are utilised to support face-to-face classroom sessions. When created effectively, hybrid learning combines the best aspects of both online and in-person learning while making education accessible to more people.
Students in hybrid classrooms receive instruction in both – a physical classroom and online, either through pre-recorded videos or live virtual classes. This learning model allows students to access course content, submit assignments, and participate in discussions and group activities online.
Benefits of Hybrid Learning:
- Flexibility: Hybrid classrooms provide a flexible learning environment where students can learn at their own pace and time. Students can access course materials online, review lectures and course content at their convenience, and participate in discussions online.
- Personalised learning experience: In a hybrid classroom, students can receive personalised instructions tailored to their learning needs. Teachers can create personalised learning paths for students, and students can work at their own pace. It helps students to retain information and improve their understanding of complex topics.
- Increased engagement: Hybrid classrooms provide a more interactive learning experience, with multimedia content such as videos, animations, and interactive quizzes. This increases student engagement and promotes active learning.
- Improved access to course content: Students can access course materials and lectures online with hybrid classrooms. This allows students to review lessons, course content, and discussions anytime, anywhere.
- Cost-effective: Hybrid classrooms can be more cost-effective than traditional classroom instruction, as they require less physical classroom space and materials.
Challenges of Hybrid Classrooms:
Although hybrid classrooms provide excellent student benefits, it presents a few challenges. However, these challenges are nothing you can’t overcome. Here we present a few challenges of hybrid classrooms and tips to overcome them:
- Technical issues: Hybrid classrooms require reliable and stable internet connections and devices, which can be challenging for some students. Technical issues can interrupt learning and cause frustration. Hence, ensure you meet the system requirements and internet bandwidth while attending hybrid classes.
- Difficulty in progress tracking: Sometimes, keeping track of the submissions and lectures can be challenging and confusing, leading to never-ending discussions. To avoid this issue, practise effective planning and organisation techniques. At ALLEN Overseas, we provide a dedicated mentor to every student to track their progress and promptly suggest necessary improvement practices.
- Lack of social interaction: Hybrid classrooms may lack the social interaction that traditional classrooms provide. Students may miss out on the benefits of face-to-face discussions and group activities. To overcome that, try to engage with your teachers during LIVE interactions. Also, meeting your teachers and mentors in person regularly (monthly or bimonthly) is recommended to develop the much-required understanding to crack highly-competitive exams.
Best Practices for Hybrid Classrooms:
- Set up an organised learning environment: Hybrid classrooms require a structured and organised learning environment with a reliable internet connection, devices and stationary to ensure students stay on track.
- Monitor your progress regularly: Students must regularly check their progress with hybrid learning. In addition, you should get timely feedback on online coursework from your teachers or mentors to ensure you stay on track and understand the material.
- Stay updated: Hybrid learning necessitates students to stay updated with lecture schedules, frequency and deadlines for online coursework. In addition, you should have access to resources and support to ensure the successful completion of your assignments.
- Foster interaction: You should interact with your teachers and ask your doubts or queries like in an in-person classroom. In addition, you should participate in activities such as online discussions and group activities. This creates a sense of community and promotes collaboration and teamwork.
Difference Between Hybrid Learning and Blended Learning:
People often misunderstand that hybrid and blended learning are the same and use the terms interchangeably. Well, that’s not true. Here’s the difference between hybrid learning and blended learning:
Blended Learning:
Digital learning combined with in-person classroom lectures is called Blended Learning. It implies that students must attend physical classes and complete required online learning activities to support their academic work. As a result, teachers must employ both – traditional classroom teaching strategies, including relying on textbooks and group projects, as well as online learning resources like quizzes and readings.
Hybrid Learning:
Hybrid learning, on the other hand, is a learning model in which a teacher teaches both in-person classroom students and online students at the same time. In other words, a remote student gets the same information as a learner present in a physical classroom.
Hybrid classroom models are becoming increasingly popular in K-12 and higher education systems, providing flexibility, accessibility, and personalised learning experiences. The hybrid model allows students to learn at their own pace, which is especially beneficial for those who may need more time to understand complex topics.
Related Blogs:
