What Is Hybrid Learning?
Here's
Everything You Need to Know
Katherine Boyarsky
JUNE 12, 2020
With the rise of education technology, schools have adopted teaching methods that
diverge from the typical classroom environment. Distance learning is being used at a
global scale, and many educational institutions are starting to implement hybrid learning
models.
However, hybrid learning is more than just tossing half of your syllabus into a virtual
classroom. Instead, it's a comprehensive approach to combining the best parts of face-
to-face and online learning to create the ideal learning experience.
In This Post:
What Is Hybrid Learning?
Benefits of Hybrid Learning
Hybrid Learning Model
How to Create a Successful Hybrid Learning Environment
Hybrid Teaching Tips
What Is Hybrid Learning?
Hybrid learning is an educational model where some students attend class in-person,
while others join the class virtually from home. Educators teach remote and in-person
students at the same time using tools like video conferencing hardware and software.
In some cases, hybrid classes include asynchronous learning elements, like online
exercises and pre-recorded video instruction, to support face-to-face classroom
sessions. When planned well, hybrid courses combine the best aspects of in-person
and online learning while making education more attainable for many students.
For hybrid learning to be successful, the elements of your hybrid course need to be
tailored to the learning format, whether it be in-person or online.
Hybrid vs. Blended Learning
Hybrid learning and blended learning can often be mistaken for one another, and both
contain many of the same instructional elements. However, both are two distinct
learning models.
Blended learning combines in-person teaching with asynchronous learning methods,
where students work on online exercises and watch instructional videos during their
own time.
Hybrid learning is a teaching method where teachers instruct in-person and remote
students at the same time. In hybrid learning models, asynchronous teaching methods
can be used to supplement synchronous, face-to-face instruction.
Hybrid Learning Consortium
The Hybrid Learning Consortium is a global learning community of independent schools
that develops online courses for middle and upper school students. The HLC believes
that online learning is here to stay, but face-to-face learning will never cease to be
relevant.
By creating online academic experiences that are just as accessible as classroom
lessons, HLC embraces the untapped possibilities of hybrid learning.
With partnering schools around the globe, students are exposed to teachers and
classmates with an otherwise unattainable worldview. To learn more about the future of
hybrid learning through the Hybrid Learning Consortium, click here.
Benefits of Hybrid Learning
Both face-to-face and online learning have their benefits and weaknesses. The goal of
hybrid learning is to combine the two formats to create a singular learning experience
without any weak spots. The benefits of hybrid learning are:
A flexible learning experience.
Many schools transition to hybrid learning for flexibility: a flexible learning schedule,
flexibility in teaching modes, flexibility in how students engage with their learning
materials, and flexibility in collaboration and communication between peers and their
instructor. For students who aren't able to attend classes in-person, the hybrid learning
environment allows them to learn remotely from home.
Synchronous communication opportunities.
Few learning experiences match the immediacy and intimacy of in-person academic
discussions. The face-to-face aspect of hybrid learning benefits from the opportunity for
real-time engagement between peers.
This time is best used for synchronous group work, presentations with a Q&A portion,
and deep conversations. Take advantage of the in-person time you have together to
form meaningful, academic relationships, and then take those relationships online.
The freedom of independent academic exploration.
Online learning comes with many freedoms. Those students who excel at self-
management and independent learning will thrive under these freedoms: the freedom to
learn from the location of their choosing, the freedom to revisit materials any number of
times at any pace, and the freedom to develop an in-depth asynchronous discourse with
your peers.
More efficient use of resources.
Just like when you attend a meeting that you know could have been an email, it can be
frustrating to attend an in-person class where all the students are doing individual virtual
work. When planning your syllabus and scheduling which classes will take place online
and which are face-to-face, take into account what resources you will need for each
lesson and plan accordingly, optimizing the use of resources.
Hybrid Learning Model
Hybrid learning models come in many different forms, depending on the content and
instructor's expectations for the course. The above example highlights one way to
combine virtual and in-person learning, which was created by the Christensen Institute.
Source: Christensen Institute
When creating your own hybrid learning model, the College of DuPage offers a jumping-
off point with its hybrid teaching workbook. This hybrid learning model provides you with
a foundation and step-by-step instructions for setting up your hybrid class
Hybrid Learning Model Class Structure
When structuring your new hybrid course, be sure to give yourself ample time to plan
your materials and activities. The focus of planning a hybrid class is to make sure that
each assignment is done in the correct format, as opposed to a strictly in-person or
online class where you know the medium of each assignment.
But, how do you determine which materials are best served through which medium?
First, gather your course materials. Then, follow our step-by-step guide.
How to Create a Successful Hybrid Learning
Environment
1. Set your semester goals.
What do you plan to accomplish with your hybrid class? By setting long and short term
goals for yourself and your class, you can explain the key expectations to your students.
Determine these goals and their corresponding assessment, and work backward to
structure the rest of your course. This backtracking from the end of the semester to your
very first session will ensure that all of your assignments and materials serve your
course directly.
2. Map it out.
Now that you've determined the goals of your course, and how your students will be
assessed, you'll need to map out how they'll navigate your class. Create a chart, table,
timeline, or another visual tool to outline your course modules, and their respective
activities and resources, in chronological order. By mapping your course visually, it will
be easier for you to spot any course holes or underdeveloped activities.
3. Determine which course objectives are best served as in-person
activities.
Now that you've determined what your course will look like, it's time to factor in the
hybrid element. Your face-to-face class time should be reserved for activities that
require activities such as:
Synchronous group brainstorming sessions
Communicating class expectations and outlining individual responsibilities
Establishing a collaborative, trust-based learning environment
Call and response presentations
Providing immediate feedback to students
Pro tip: Remember that synchronous, face-to-face time can happen in-person, or
virtually. If some students are in the classroom, while others are learning from home,
you can use video conferencing tools to connect with one another.
4. Determine the online portion of your course.
You'll notice that one main element of your hybrid course not mentioned in the face-to-
face section is the deliverance of information. While in-person time is reserved for
synchronous and group discussions, the majority of personal assignments will be done
virtually. Additionally, the other activities that make up the online portion of your hybrid
class can include:
Self-paced learning and activity completion
Automatic grading programs such as multiple choice of True/False quizzes
Asynchronous group discussions
Written critical analysis and thoughtful discourse
Video or aural content consumption
5. Create and source content.
Once you've mapped out the modules in your course, you'll need to create and source
the content that will be used by your students. This is the time for you to create
assignments, find all reading materials, source your video content, and finalize your
syllabus.
If your school has experience with hybrid classes, adapting archived resources and
tailoring them to fit your class structure is a great place to start. Additionally, resources
can be found on flagship education websites and managing discussion forums.
6. Give your hybrid learning plan a trial run.
Congratulations, you've created a successful hybrid learning environment! The only
thing left to do, before your course begins, is to do a trial run of the online portion of
your course. You want your course to be fluid and accessible, without encountering any
surprise technology speed bumps along the way. If possible, have a fellow faculty
member or trusted former student test the course for you. Having an extra set of eyes
on your course is always a good idea, and those unfamiliar with the creation of your
course will be more likely to spot gray areas.
Hybrid Teaching Tips
To ensure your new hybrid course runs smoothly, here are some bonus hybrid teaching
tips just for you:
1. Don't be afraid to redesign. The course map you created is not set in stone, as
you move through the semester, lean into the strengths that arise and redesign
to accommodate for any weaknesses that get exposed.
2. Use online work to offer targeted learning plans, extensions, or one-on-one
teaching for individual students.
3. Provide mobile learning options for the online portion of your course.
4. Be open to feedback, and really learn from your student's experiences.
5. Don't overload on online assignments, just because they can be completed
anywhere doesn't mean they take any less time than face-to-face work.
6. Integrate the online and the in-person. A successful hybrid course is only as
strong as the relationship between its two halves.
7. Embrace your hybrid community. If you find yourself stuck or frustrated, turn to
other hybrid class instructors that you respect: their experience and wisdom are
priceless.
8. Explain the purpose and expectations of your hybrid class clearly and often. If
this format is new to you, there is a good chance it is new to your students as
well.
9. Provide students with self and time management tips so they aren't left treading
water as soon as they leave the classroom. This is especially helpful for students
who have never completed online coursework before.
10. Connect your students to a trusted IT hotline for any technical issues that may
arise.
