Our Guide to Hybrid Learning (2024) |

Hybrid learning is a trend that we've seen more since the outbreak. This new learning model includes virtual and in-person learners within the same class.

In this article we'll discuss:

• What is hybrid learning.
  
• The pros and cons of studying in a hybrid approach.
  
• There is a difference between blended learning and hybrid learning.
  
• A few of the methods and best practices in hybrid learning.
  

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What is Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning refers to a learning space includes the virtual and in-person learners. That means some learners live in the same location, while other learners can participate remotely, typically in a synchronized manner. In the case of an educational session is attended by attendees who are learning at a table as well as others who are connected through Skype that is called a hybrid learning. Hybrid learning may be utilized to accommodate students from diverse regions or having different types of learners, offering a variety of options to those who cannot to attend in the person.

Hybrid education, consisting of live video broadcasts which also incorporate live instruction it has been in use for around 10 years. Examples of this are simulcasting events. have become commonplace in a range of organizations. But-thanks to the pandemic-they have increased in frequency. For instance, in the case that restrictions due to pandemic placed physical limitations to the amount of people that could be accommodated in a space, a number of universities and institutions set limits on space, but also opened the possibility of streaming online for class.

Although the restrictions on public health have been lifted (as at the time when I wrote this) it's been a long time since the advent of hybrid learning as a valued way to ensure the needs of people are met in physical spaces. This is probably going to be around for a while. In the case of epidemic numerous religious organizations have begun streaming their services on YouTube. Some people have returned to their homes as well as watching the broadcasts online.

This means that learning in a hybrid fashion and engaging is expected to become the norm in numerous organizations, and it's going to stay.

Benefits of hybrid learning

Although many of us believe that hybrid learning is a pandemic response but it's much more than healthcare measures for the public. Here are some of the benefits of learning in a hybrid format:

• Students can learn with Flexibility: A recent UNESCO study revealed that 82% of students in postsecondary are interested in at least one online education (41 percent of them want to learn online exclusively). Hybrid learning offers this possibility students the flexibility to learn.
  
• It eliminates the requirement for infrastructure: As we've observed at the live event being able to have people in the audience allows the educator tap into this energy and interact with the audience, however space is constrained by the number of chairs in the space. This is one of the reasons why the hybrid events are so efficient. A lot of teachers as well as coaches and educators discover that they are able to design online venues for events without needing physical space.
  
• The new revenue source: from college to business classes, accessibility to a hybrid method of education allows you to earn an increase in profits, without needing to purchase additional chairs. Virtual seats can be sold in unlimitable quantities, at a discount.
  
• Accessibility to the classroom: UNESCO reports lower education levels across the world for learners with disabilities-higher drops, and low literacy. A hybrid model of learning could help in this kind accessible learning (although it's probably not an optimal choice for everyone). Even for those who are struggling to make it to class, the hybrid method of instruction could open up learning to people who would otherwise wouldn't be able to access the course.
  

• Studies on effectiveness have suggested that the hybrid approach to learning could prove just as efficient for remote learners (if there's no better).
  
• Technological integration: Hybrid learners can benefit from all kinds technological advancements, particularly when using an educational platform that is hybrid. Alongside having the ability to view or listen to and take notes, they may also utilize polls and other inquiries and different types of content along with discussion with friends and colleagues, as well as many more. If done properly, technology integration can help improve the learning process.
  
• Collaboration: learning that's hybrid is able to benefit from collaboration tools like forums or shared projects. different other kinds of groupwork that is virtual.
  
• Data-driven insights: Finally, the teacher or the institution has access to information to determine which strategies worked, and which was not working. Most online learning platforms come with analytics in place to reveal the locations where students spend their time and also how active they are.
  

The challenges of hybrid learning

• Classroom management: Because managing classrooms can be a problem for even the most skilled instructors face, hybrid learning presents additional difficulties. Learning with different types of students is a daunting job. The majority of studies that demonstrated the benefits of hybrid learning were of college students or higher: self-directed learners.
  
• Barriers to technology: Hybrid learning requires tech at both the ends. In the classroom, it includes video, microphones, and possibly screen sharing. All that is required to make sure that students distant can see and hear everything. When the learners are finished, they'll need reliable internet access as along with a mobile device or laptop with a screen to watch the video on.
  
• Tech support: If your students have technical issues, they might not be able to fix them. It might be helpful having an IT department that is dedicated to.
  
• Changes in teaching methods teachers working in a hybrid class need to meet learning goals however they have to do this by utilizing both virtual and in-person students. This can be challenging.
  
• Assessment: Evaluation can be challenging when students are in class but certain students are in remote. For instance, if you conduct a test can remote students cheat? The process of designing an appropriate and fair test for learners who are hybrid.
  
• Inclusivity: as we mentioned above, that the use of blended learning can increase accessibility, but in the end it may harm it. It is much more easy for students struggling with learning issues to fall into the gap when they study at your home in the privacy of their homes.
  

Examples of learning through hybrids

• University lectures with real and virtual students.
  
• Professional development workshops that takes place at the firm's headquarters, and is monitored from the branch offices remotely.
  
• A course in learning languages that allows students to participate in classroom-based learning experiences as well as communicate with a language partner over the web.
  
• The fitness classes are conducted at a location, in person however, it's livestreamed on the internet or a program for health .
  

What's the distinction between blended and hybrid education?

Hybrid learning may be combined and blended education. Sometimes the two terms are employed to refer to the same thing. They're technically the same thing. Blended learning is when the teacher uses different learning methods for teaching students both in person and online (e.g. with a community, discussion board or any other type of online projects). We use using the term"hybrid learning" in reference to the virtual and physical participants with whom we are engaging in a learning process simultaneously.

• Hybrid learning can be synchronous, however blended learning may be synchronous, or non-synchronous.
  
• Blended learning is when students each get the exact same online and classroom instruction. A hybrid class is where every student gets a unique experience from the program.
  

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

Tools to enable hybrid learning

1. Online platform for learning

Hybrid learning typically needs an online platform for learning. If you are a student at an institution of higher education there may be learning software or an LMS that is already used by the institution it works with. In the event that hybrid instructors are not available, they might require a new one.

The complete guide to the online platforms for learning are available here. However, here are a couple of options:
    Online learning software is suitable for businesses and creators who are not independent. Kajabi, Thinkific
    Platforms for online education that are formally recognized: Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard

2. Tools for video conferencing

Online learning programs may have video conferencing tools that are included. Many do. Thus, prior to searching for an application to record a conference be sure to look.

Other times, you might require videoconferencing in order for hybrid learning to be facilitated.
     Video conferencing platforms: Zoom, Google Meet, Skype

3. Discussion tools

In addition, the top online learning platforms are feature included. Thus, you don't require this feature. If you are looking for discussion tools, think about platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack.

4. Microphone

If you are streamed audio, or even recording it its quality, sound quality is the primary factor. It's hard to hear an audio stream that isn't sharp, however having videos that are blurry will not be a problem if you've got a crystal sound stream that is clear.

An inexpensive lapel microphone or headphones with an integrated microphone can improve the audio quality. Teachers may prefer the option of using a professional condenser mic.

5. Video

A modern mobile or webcam can shoot quality videos, so this might suffice for some teachers. If not, it is possible to use the most professional video software.

Learning strategies that can be applied through a variety of ways

1. Communicate

• It is essential to convey in writing the prerequisites and schedule of the class and make sure you know the access requirements. Inform students of log-on information and technical information early and often.
  

2. Training

• It is important to teach your students to use the online course materials as well as the best ways to use technology.
  

3. Consistency

• Create a schedule for class material to establish standards and make it easy for students to have access.
  

4. Engaging content

• Be sure that the content is appealing to all students. As an example it is important to ensure that learners who are not in the classroom can view slides as well as other images. Also, if you're utilizing an electronic feature (e.g. the ability to poll or to ask questions) be sure that students can make use of this feature.
  

5. Community Building

• Create an energetic class of students for better the standard of their education. Students can be connected and work together.
  

Are you ready to start?

If you're searching for a place for hosting hybrid learning, consider . It's a learning and community platform with livestreaming capabilities, an LMS to host recordings of live courses as well as pre-recorded ones, users' profiles, chat and discussions built-in. It's the ideal blended learning tool to help professional development coaches as well as trainers, brands and trainers.

Test it out for free for 14 days!

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