Ready or not, the virtual world has entered the classroom. Since the pandemic shut down the world, education has looked a lot different. Originally a product of necessity, remote learning was the safest way to avoid interrupting the learning process for students of all ages. Then, it became integral to continuing education in class, while still handling those with and exposed to the virus.

Now, remote learning combined with in-person instruction is the preferred method, and it’s called HyFlex. HyFlex integrates the best of in-class teaching with online learning, allowing students to participate through a live video feed or watch a video of the lesson on-demand. In universities, where the class size to instructor ratio can be substantial, HyFlex reduced the problem of social distancing. It continues to be a popular way for those who prefer online learning to get the best of both worlds, and, statistics show, it can actually increase student engagement when done properly.

Studies on HyFlex and Student Engagement

For over a decade, HyFlex studies have been conducted. Because of the popularity of online classes, it made sense that universities and accreditors wanted to ensure that these courses were as rigorous as their in-person partners. HyFlex gives students the flexibility to decide how they want to participate, offering them choices in their education where there were once only limited options. When students prefer technology that they’re comfortable with, they’re more likely to engage in the instruction.

Professors who implement technology inclusive of live lecture streaming, polls, immediate contact, and communication at no outside cost to students have comparable results to those who completed in-class only lessons. Student engagement in their choice of modality increased because they were given control of their learning style, which then aided in better comprehension.

However, the instructional technologies should be designed to boost student engagement, not simply provide a way for them to learn at their own pace by reading a book or watching a video. Participation modes should be included and required with online lessons to standardize the student experience across the board. The key is to impart flexibility to the students without losing any rigor or value to the academic achievement involved.

Using HyFlex in the Classroom

As with anything new, it’s important to practice and get yourself educated before you start incorporating HyFlex into the classroom. Yes, it was something that teachers around the world found thrown in their lap during the pandemic, but now we have the knowledge, time, and capability to bring this into our classrooms by choice and do it well.

First, it’s important to recognize that a HyFlex, short for Hybrid-Flexible, course is modeled on the student-centered platform. Your lessons must integrate your instruction as you’re being recorded. Students are watching you live and should be able to participate as necessary. This is called asynchronous content delivery. You’re teaching to the crowd in front of you, as you would in a typical class setting, but you also must find ways to include those watching you live or on a recorded session.

The potential for increased student engagement may be beneficial, but there is also a lot more planning on your part. You’re paying attention to student feedback and results, and planning for different audiences who may be watching at distinctly different times.

However, there are many instructors who will tell you that once you get used to a HyFlex course and the planning involved, you’ll never want to go back to a classroom-only experience. When you’re ready to give it a try, keep these tips in mind:

●      Outline your lesson plan as though you’re teaching an online course. This way you’ll account for those who aren’t in your classroom, and you’ll be able to manage your learning activities to everyone’s abilities. Keep in mind that not everyone has the technology access that they would in your classroom.

●      Focus on inclusivity and accessibility for all. Ensure your materials are in a format accessible to everyone (for example, a Mac computer can’t always open Microsoft OS documents, and vice versa). Videos of your course, and anything you link to for your students to use, must have captions. Auto-generated captions are okay, but they’re not always accurate. You can’t do much about this as you’re teaching, but you should always look over your videos before you post them.

●      Prepare your online materials so they are clear, without excess instruction, and easily editable where appropriate.

●      Ensure you have the right technology, and that everything is in working order before you begin your video session. You may need assistance setting all this up before you begin your first HyFlex course.

With these considerations taken care of, you’re ready to enter the HyFlex classroom.

Adding HyFlex to Your Resume Skills

Feeling confident about your HyFlex skills? Head over to Impactio and update your resume to include your new talents and show off your best lessons. At Impactio, other likeminded scholars are looking for a community of people to learn from and to teach, and you can connect with them on America’s number one platform for scientific networking.