The Guide to Hybrid Learning. Guide to Hybrid Learning (2024) |

Hybrid learning is a concept we've heard more of since the pandemic. This innovative learning method mixes in-person and virtual students in the same class.

In this piece we'll discuss:

• What is hybrid learning.        
  
• The advantages and challenges of learning in a hybrid way.        
  
• The difference between hybrid and blended learning.        
  
• One of the most popular tools and best practices for the hybridization of learning.        
  

((toc))

What is Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning is where a learning space includes the virtual and in-person learners. It means that some students will be physically present and others are able to take part remotely, usually in a synchronized manner. For example, when an educational seminar is attended by people sitting at their desks learning, while others connected via Skype this is a hybrid learning. The use of hybrid learning is to cater for people coming from various regions or various learning preferences and offers more choices to people who can't take part in a live event.

Hybrid learning, made up of simultaneous video broadcasts with in-person classes, has existed since at least 10 years. For example, simulcast events were common for numerous organisations. Since the outbreak, they have increased in frequency. As an example, in the event that pandemic restrictions put physical constraints regarding how many persons could fit in one area, schools and universities imposed limitations on space but allowed on-line viewing of courses.

While the health-related restrictions of public schools have been lifted (as of writing this) the concept of hybrid learning has been a popular method to safeguard people's choices for living physically present. As a result, it's probably here to stay. As an example, in the outbreak, a number of churches began to broadcast on YouTube. Some participants have returned in person while many will still watch the broadcasts online.

What this means is that hybrid learning and engagement will become the norm for numerous organizations, and it's going to remain.

Benefits of learning in a hybrid way

Although many of us believe that hybrid learning is the pandemic It's not only about public health measures. Below are the advantages of hybrid learning:

• Flexible learning for students: A recent UNESCO study revealed that 82% post-secondary students are interested in at least some online learning (41% want online only). Hybrid learning offers this possibility: flexibility for learners.    
  
• Reducing the requirement for infrastructure we've seen with the live event, having people on the stage lets the educator tap into that energy and respond to them, but space is limited by the number of chairs inside the room. It's one thing that makes a hybrid event so great. A lot of 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 the hybrid model of learning allows for more profit without the need for more seats. Virtual seats can be sold in an unlimited capacity-possibly for a price reduction.    
  
• The accessibility of the classroom: UNESCO reports lower education graduation rates all over the world in the case of learners with disabilities, which means higher rates of drops, as well as lower reading. Hybrid learning can be a aid in this type of accessibility (although it won't be the best option for everyone). However, even for adults who are struggling to get to school, hybrid learning could make learning accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to access it.    
  

• Effectiveness: Some early studies indicate that the hybrid approach to learning could be just as efficient for distant learners (if it is not any more).    
  
• Technological integration: Hybrid learners are able to benefit from a variety technological advancements, particularly when using a hybrid platform for learning. Alongside being able to watch, listen, and taking notes, they may utilize polls and queries as well as various content choices, discussions with classmates, and many more. If done right, technological integration may help to enhance learning.    
  
• Collaboration Learning that is hybrid can take advantage of collaborative tools such as discussion boards or shared projects. different forms of virtual collaboration.      
  
• Data-driven insights: Finally, the institution or instructor has access to data that helps the institution understand what has worked and what did not. The majority of online learning platforms come with analytics built in to show the locations where students spend their time, and how active they are.    
  

Challenges of hybrid learning

• Classroom management: As managing classrooms can be a problem for the best of teachers, hybrid learning introduces even more difficulties. The fact that you have multiple learners can be a challenge. Most of the studies showing the benefits of learning through hybrids were conducted by university students or more: self-directed learners.      
  
• Technological barriers: hybrid learning requires tech at both ends. For the classroom, this involves video, microphone as well as screen sharing. All which is essential to make sure that the learners who are remote can watch and hear what's happening. At the students' end, they'll need reliable internet as well as a mobile or laptop to watch on.      
  
• Tech support: if your students are experiencing technical difficulties, it's hard to address them. It might be helpful having an IT department that is dedicated to.      
  
• The changing pedagogy of teachers: instructors in the hybrid classroom still must meet their learning objectives but with a mix of students in person and online. It can be difficult.      
  
• Evaluation: Assessment isn't always easy when students are in class and others are at home. For example, if you administer a test, do remote students cheat? The process of designing tests that are fair and precise for learners who are hybrid.      
  
• Inclusivity: we said above that hybrid learning can improve the accessibility of education, but it could also hurt it. It's much easier for people struggling with learning issues to slip through the cracks learning at their homes.      
  

Examples of hybrid learning

• A university lecture with students in class and online participants.        
  
• A professional development workshop held in the corporate headquarters and watched remotely by branches.        
  
• A language learning class that lets students take part in the classroom experience and converse with language partners over the web.        
  
• A fitness class is held in place in person, but it is live streamed via a health application .      
  

What's the distinction between hybrid and blended-learning?

Hybrid learning often gets misunderstood as blended learning. In some cases, the terms can be utilized to mean the same thing. But they aren't technically identical. Blended learning is when a teacher uses various learning tools to teach students-both in-person instruction and online (e.g. with a community, discussion board, or online project). We use the term hybrid learning to refer to both virtual and in-person participants who are engaged in a learning process simultaneously.

• Hybrid learning is synchronous however blended learning could be either synchronous or analog.    
  
• Blended learning implies that the learners each get the same digital and in-person instruction. In a hybrid course, every student experiences a distinct experience the class.      
  

We talk about hybrid events-which are mixtures of attendees in person and online.

Tools for hybrid learning

1. Online learning platform

Hybrid learning generally involves an online learning platform. If you are an institution of higher education there may be learning software or an LMS already in use by the school that it uses. In the event that hybrid instructors are not available, they could require an LMS.

We have a full guide to on-line learning platforms here. But here are a few choices:
Online learning software for organizations and creators who are independent: Kajabi, Thinkific
Online learning institutions: Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard

2. Videoconferencing tools

Your online learning software may have video conferencing tools integrated. Many do. Before you search for a video-conferencing software be sure to look.

If not, it is possible to use videoconferencing in order to learn hybridally.
Video conferencing platforms: Zoom, Google Meet, Skype

3. Discussion tools

Again, the best online education platforms come with this built in. This means that you don't require this feature. But for accompanying discussion tools consider platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Slack.

4. Microphone

In terms of streaming audio or recording it, the sound quality is the primary factors. It is difficult to hear a bad audio feed, while having fuzzy video isn't an issue when you have a clear audio feed.

A low-cost microphone or headphones with a microphone built-in could improve the sound quality. But some teachers might consider using a professional-grade condenser microphone.

5. Video

Any modern smartphone or webcam is capable of taking decent quality video and this could suffice for some teachers. Otherwise, you might 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 your class. Be clear about access instructions. Communicate log-on details and technical information as early as possible and frequently.      
  

2. Training

• Be sure to show students how to connect to online course materials and also the best ways to utilize technology.        
  

3. Consistency

• Make a standardized schedule for class material in order to define expectations and make it easier for students to access.        
  

4. Engaging content

• It is important to ensure that content is enjoyable for everyone. In other words, ensure that learners who are not in the classroom can view the slides and visual material. Also, if you're using electronic features (e.g. polls or questions), make sure the students in the class can use it.      
  

5. Community-based building

• Create an active group of learners in order to enhance course outcomes-help students make connections and share ideas.      
  

Ready to get started?

If you're looking for a place to host hybrid education, come try . It's a community and course platform featuring livestreaming capabilities, an LMS to host both live and pre-recorded courses, member profiles, and chat as well as discussions integrated into. This is the ideal learning platform for professional development coaches, brands, and trainers.

Try it without cost for 14 days!