Our Guide to Hybrid Learning (2024) |

Hybrid learning is an idea we've heard more since the pandemic. The new model of learning mixes in-person and virtual learners within the same classroom.

In this piece, we'll talk about:

• What is hybrid learning.        
  
• The benefits and challenges of learning in a hybrid way.        
  
• The distinctions between hybrid and blended learning.        
  
• One of the most popular methods and best practices to use for the hybridization of learning.        
  

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What is Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning happens when a learning environment includes the virtual and in-person learners. It means that some students will physically attend the class while others will be able to participate via remote-usually in a synchronized manner. In the case of an educational seminar is attended by people around a desk learning and other participants connecting through Skype this is a an example of hybrid learning. Hybrid learning may be utilized to allow people from diverse locations or with different learning styles and offers more choices for those who are unable to be able to attend the event in person.

Hybrid education, consisting of simultaneous video broadcasts with live classes, has been around for at least a decade. As an example, simultaneous broadcasts are commonplace for a variety of companies. However, since the outbreak of pandemics-they've increased in frequency. In the case of pandemics, for instance, where restrictions placed physical limitations to the number of people who can be contained in one physical space, many universities and colleges set space restrictions but opened up on-line viewing of courses.

Although the restrictions on public health have been lifted (as as of this writing) it's been a long time since hybrid learning been a popular method to safeguard people's choices for living in physical spaces. As a result, it's most likely to remain. As an example, in the outbreak, a number of religious institutions began streaming via YouTube. Today, some of the members have returned in person as well as watching live streams online.

What that means is that learning and engagement in hybrid forms is expected to become the norm in large organizations. It's here to remain.

Advantages of learning in a hybrid way

While many people believe that hybrid learning is a pandemic response but it's more than just the health of people. Here are a few advantages of hybrid learning:

• Flexible learning for students: A recent UNESCO study revealed that 82% of post-secondary students are interested in at least some online education (41 percent want to learn online exclusively). The hybrid learning model offers and allows learners to be flexible.    
  
• Reduces infrastructure needs: As we've witnessed at Live events, having participants in an audience lets an educator feed off of that energy and respond to their needs, yet space is constrained by the chairs that are in the room. This is one of the reasons why an event that is hybrid so successful. Teachers, educators, and coaches are realizing that they have the ability to create virtual event spaces-without needing more physical space.    
  
• New revenue: From colleges to business conferences, having access to the hybrid model of learning allows for more profit without having to buy more chairs. Virtual seats are sold in unlimited quantities, possibly for a price reduction.    
  
• accessibility: UNESCO reports lower education rate of completion across all levels for students with disabilities, higher dropouts, and lower overall level of literacy. The hybrid learning model can aid in this type of accessibility (although it won't be the right answer for all learners). But even for adult learners struggling to make it to school, hybrid learning can make learning possible for students who may not be able to access the course.    
  

• Studies on effectiveness indicate that the hybrid approach to learning could be equally efficient for distant learners (if there isn't any greater).    
  
• Integration of technology: Hybrid students have the benefit of all kinds technological advancements, particularly when using a hybrid platform for learning. Apart from being able to watch, listen, and taking notes, they can use polls and other questions as well as various content choices, discussions with classmates, and many more. When done properly, technological integration can help improve learning.    
  
• Collaboration hybrid learning may benefit from collaboration tools, such as discussions boards or shared projects. various other types of virtual groupwork.      
  
• Data-driven insight: Finally, instructors or institutions is able to access information that will help to understand what was working and what didn't. The majority of online learning platforms come with analytics in place to reveal how learners spend their time as well as how active they are.    
  

The challenges of hybrid learning

• Classroom management: Since classroom management is a challenge for the best of teachers, hybrid learning creates new challenges. The fact that you have multiple learners is tough. Most of the studies showing the benefits of learning through hybrids were conducted by university students or more: self-directed learners.      
  
• Barriers to technology: hybrid learning requires tech at both ends. in the classroom, it involves video, microphone or screen sharing. this is necessary to ensure that the learners who are remote can watch and hear everything. When the learners are finished, they'll need reliable internet and laptops or smartphones to watch on.      
  
• Support for tech: If students have technical difficulties they may be unable to resolve them. It may be beneficial to have a dedicated IT team.      
  
• The changing pedagogy of teachers: instructors working in a hybrid classroom need to meet learning goals and objectives, but they have to do it with both in-person and virtual students. This can be challenging.      
  
• Assessment: It isn't always easy when students attend class but certain students are in remote. For example, if you administer a test, can the remote learners cheat? It takes planning to design an accurate and fair test for learners who are hybrid.      
  
• Inclusivity: As we mentioned earlier, that the use of hybrid learning could improve inclusion, however it can be detrimental to it. It's easier for those who have learning challenges to slip through the cracks when they study at the comfort of their home.      
  

Examples of hybrid learning

• An academic lecture that includes students in class and online participants.        
  
• Professional development workshops held in the corporate headquarters and watched remotely by branches.        
  
• A course in learning languages that lets students take part in the classroom experience as well as converse with other language learners on the internet.        
  
• A fitness class takes place in person, but it is live streamed via an fitness application .      
  

What's the distinction between hybrid and blended learning?

Hybrid learning can be mixed with blended learning. In some cases, the terms can be used interchangeably. They are not identical. Blended learning occurs where a teacher makes use of different learning methods for teaching students, both in person and via online (e.g. with a community, discussion board, or online project). We use the term hybrid learning in reference to online and in-person learners in a simultaneous learning experience.

• Hybrid learning is synchronous, while blended learning can be synchronous or non-synchronous.    
  
• Blended learning implies that the learners each get the same digital and in-person instruction. When learning in a hybrid format, each student experiences a distinct experience the course.      
  

As an example, we speak about hybrid events, which are a mix of virtual and in-person attendees.

Tools for hybrid learning

1. Online learning platform

Hybrid learning generally involves an online learning platform. If you are an institution of higher education it is possible that you have learning software or an LMS already that your school uses. Otherwise, hybrid instructors may need to find one.

We have a full list of the online platforms for learning here. But here are a few options:
Online learning software designed for companies as well as independent creators: Kajabi, Thinkific
Institutional online learning platforms: Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard

2. Tools for video conferencing

Online learning programs could have video conferencing capabilities integrated. Many do. So before you look for a video-conferencing software be sure to look.

Otherwise, you may need videoconferencing to facilitate hybrid learning.
Video conferencing platforms: Zoom, Google Meet, Skype

3. Discussion tools

Again, the best online learning platforms have this included. Therefore, you won't need this feature. However, for discussion tools that are accompanied by them consider platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Slack.

4. Microphone

In terms of stream or recording audio, the sound quality is one of the most important things. It's hard to enjoy an audio stream that isn't clear, while having fuzzy video isn't an issue when you have the clarity of an audio source.

An inexpensive lapel microphone or headphones with microphones built-in could improve the sound quality. However, some instructors might want to consider using a professional-grade condenser microphone.

5. Video

Every modern smartphone and webcam can take decent video, so this might be enough for some instructors. Otherwise, you might choose an expert video platform.

Tips for hybrid learning

1. Communicate

• Make sure you clearly communicate your expectations as well as the schedule for the class and be clear about access instructions. Make sure you communicate log-on as well as tech information early and frequently.      
  

2. Training

• Be sure to show students how to connect to online course materials and also how to use technology.        
  

3. Consistency

• Set up a regular schedule for class material to establish the expectations for students and make it more easy for students to use.        
  

4. Engaging video

• Be sure that the content is engaging for all learners. As an example, you should ensure that remote learners can see the slides and visual material. Or, if you're using an electronic feature (e.g. polling or questions) ensure that the students are able to access it.      
  

5. Community building

• Develop an engaging group of students in order to enhance the quality of their education. Help students connect and share ideas.      
  

Are you ready to begin?

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