Hybrid Learning

What is hybrid learning?

Hybrid learning is a learning model where some learners attend courses in person, while others participate remotely. Typically, instructors will teach both groups at the same time using video conferencing tools. Blended learning and hybrid learning are sometimes referred to interchangeably, but are typically thought of as separate concepts.

Example: My university courses follow the hybrid learning model. I attend classes online, while some of my classmates attend in person.

Benefits of hybrid learning models 

By enabling both in-person and remote learning, hybrid courses give learners ultimate flexibility over their educational experience, empowering them to participate in whatever format fits into their schedule. This can enable a greater number of students to participate in the same course, allowing instructors to scale their classes in ways they couldn’t with exclusively in-person learning. This may also reduce some of the costs associated with conducting in-person courses. 

A hybrid course may be more accessible for students in rural areas. Features of online learning may also make hybrid courses more effective for some students—for example, those that learn best when they can play back a recorded lecture.

Strategies for a successful hybrid learning environment 

Whether students participate in your in-person or online courses, ensure both groups can easily access and navigate course materials. Consider requiring some online assignments, even for learners who come to class in person, so both groups of students engage with each other in some capacity. For example, you can ask students to respond to questions on a forum where they can reply to each other’s answers.

Additionally, you can make time to check in with remote students individually to provide a level of personalization similar to that of an in-person classroom.