This is our Guide to Hybrid Learning (2024) |

Hybrid learning is a concept we've heard more of since the virus. This innovative learning method mixes in-person and virtual learners within the same classroom.

In this piece We'll be discussing:

• What is hybrid learning.        
  
• The advantages and challenges of learning in a hybrid way.        
  
• The distinctions between hybrid and blended learning.        
  
• A few of the methods and best practices to use for the hybridization of learning.        
  

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What exactly is Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning is the case when an educational environment has both in-person and virtual learners. This means that some learners are physically present, and some will participate remotely-usually at a time. As an example, if a training seminar has people sitting at their desks learning, while other participants connecting through Skype this is a the case with hybrid learning. Hybrid learning may be utilized to accommodate people from different locations or with different learning styles, giving more options for people who cannot take part in a live event.

Hybrid learning, which consists of video broadcasts that simultaneously include in-person classes, has existed since at least 10 years. As an example, simultaneous broadcasts are commonplace for a variety of organizations. However, since the outbreak of pandemics-they've increased in frequency. In the case of pandemics, for instance, where restrictions imposed physical limits regarding how many persons can be contained in one physical area, schools and universities imposed limits on space, but also allowed on-line viewing of courses.

Even as public health restrictions have disappeared (as at the time of writing this) it's been a long time since hybrid learning been a popular method to ensure that people's needs are protected within physical environments. It's probably here to stay. In the case of pandemic, many religious institutions began streaming on YouTube. Some members have returned in person while many will still watch live streams online.

This means that learning and engagement in hybrid forms will become the norm for large organizations. It's here to stay.

Advantages of learning in a hybrid way

While many people associate hybrid learning with an outbreak, it's not just about the health of people. Below are the benefits of learning in a hybrid format:

• Flexibility for learners Learners can be flexible: A recent UNESCO research found that 82% of post-secondary students are interested in at least some online instruction (41% want online only). Hybrid learning gives this option and allows learners to be flexible.    
  
• It reduces the need for infrastructure: As we've observed when we've had the live event, having attendees within the audience allows the educator tap into that energy and respond to them, but space is constrained by the number of chairs within the space. That's what makes an event that is hybrid so successful. Teachers, educators and coaches are recognizing that they can open up virtual event spaces-without needing more physical space.    
  
• New revenue: From colleges to business seminars, having access to hybrid learning can generate more income without the need for more seats. Virtual seats can be offered in an unlimited capacity-possibly at a discount.    
  
• The accessibility of the classroom: UNESCO reports lower education rate of completion across all levels for students with disabilities, higher drops, as well as lower reading. Learning through hybrids can aid in this type of accessibility (although it won't be an ideal option for everyone). Even for those who are who are struggling to get to school, hybrid learning is a way to make learning more accessible for those who might not otherwise be able to access it.    
  

• The effectiveness: Early studies indicate that the hybrid approach to learning could be equally efficient for distant learners (if not more).    
  
• Integration of technology: Hybrid students are able to benefit from a variety of technology advancements, but especially when using a hybrid platform for learning. Apart from watching, listening, and taking notes, they can be using polls and questions, different content options, discussions with classmates, and more. If done right, technological integration may help to enhance learning.    
  
• Collaboration: hybrid learning can take advantage of collaboration tools, such as discussion boards or shared projects. different forms of virtual collaboration.      
  
• Data-driven insights: Finally the instructor or institution can access data to help them understand what worked and what didn't. The majority of online learning platforms come with analytics that can be integrated to display how learners spend their time and how engaged they are.    
  

Challenges of hybrid learning

• Classroom management: As classroom management is a challenge for the best of instructors, the hybrid approach introduces additional challenges. Learning with different types of students can be a challenge. A majority of studies demonstrating the benefits in hybrid learning was done by high school students and self-directed learners.      
  
• Technological barriers: hybrid learning demands technology at both sides. In the classroom, it means microphone, video, and perhaps screen sharing-all which is essential to make sure that the learners who are remote can watch and hear everything. For the student's end will require a reliable internet connection as well as a mobile or laptop for watching.      
  
• Support for tech: If students are experiencing technical difficulties they may be unable to resolve them. It might be helpful to have the support of a specialist IT staff.      
  
• The changing pedagogy of teachers: instructors in the hybrid classroom still have to reach their goals for learning however, they must do so with the help of in-person and virtual learners. This can be challenging.      
  
• Assessment: It can be tricky when some students are present in the class, and some are remote. For example, if you administer a test, could remote students cheat? The process of designing an accurate and fair test for learners who are hybrid.      
  
• Inclusion: We mentioned above that hybrid learning can improve inclusivity, but it can also hurt it. It is easier for students who have learning challenges to slip in the wrong direction if they learn from their homes.      
  

Examples of hybrid learning

• Lectures at the university with students in class and online participants.        
  
• Professional development workshops that's attended at company headquarters, and viewed remotely by branches.        
  
• A language learning class that lets students take part in the classroom experience and communicate with their language partner via the internet.        
  
• A fitness class takes place in person but is live streamed via a health application .      
  

What's the distinction between hybrid and blended education?

Hybrid learning is often misunderstood as blended learning. Sometimes the two terms are utilized to mean the same thing. But they aren't technically exactly the same thing. Blended learning is where a teacher makes use of different learning methods to instruct students both in-person and via online (e.g. using a discussion board, or other online project). By contrast, we use the term hybrid learning in reference to virtual and in-person participants who are engaged in a learning process simultaneously.

• Hybrid learning is synchronous, while blended learning can be synchronous or analog.    
  
• Blended learning implies that the learners all receive the same electronic and in-person instruction. When learning in a hybrid format, each student has a different experience of the course.      
  

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

Tools for hybrid learning

1. Online platform for learning

Hybrid learning generally needs an online platform for learning. For students at an institution of higher education there may be the learning software or LMS in place that your institution employs. In the event that hybrid instructors are not available, they may need to find one.

There is a complete guide to the online platforms for learning here. Here are some alternatives:
Online learning software that is suitable for businesses and creators who are independent: Kajabi, Thinkific
Platforms for online education that are institutionalized: Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard

2. Tools for video conferencing

Your online learning software might have videoconferencing features integrated. Many do. Therefore, before looking for a tool to video conference make sure to check.

Otherwise, you may need videoconferencing in order to learn hybridally.
Video conferencing platforms: Zoom, Google Meet, Skype

3. Discussion tools

The best online learning platforms have this integrated. So you may not need it. For discussion tools consider platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack.

4. Microphone

When it comes to streaming or recording audio, the sound quality is among the most important things. It's hard to enjoy a bad audio feed but having blurry videos isn't an issue when you have a clear audio feed.

An inexpensive lapel microphone or a set of headphones that have a microphone integrated could improve the sound quality. However, some instructors might want to consider using a professional-grade condenser microphone.

5. Video

Any modern smartphone or webcam will shoot decent videos This could suffice for a few instructors. If not, it is possible to choose professional software for video.

Strategies for learning in a hybrid way

1. Communicate

• It is important to communicate clearly the expectations and schedule of the class and be sure to be clear on access guidelines. Communicate log-on details and tech info early and often.      
  

2. Training

• Make sure to teach students to use the course material remotely and how to use technology.        
  

3. Consistency

• Make a standardized 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. In other words, ensure that remote learners can see the slides and other visuals. If you're using an electronic feature (e.g. the ability to poll or ask questions), make sure the students are able to access it.      
  

5. Community-based building

• Build an engaged community of students in order to enhance course outcomes-help students make connections and collaborate.      
  

Are you ready to begin?

If you're in search of a place to host hybrid education Try . It's a course and community platform that offers livestreaming, an LMS for recordings and live courses members' profiles, chat and discussions built-in. This is the ideal platform to learn for professionals, brands, and coaches.

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