Our Guide to Hybrid Learning (2024) |

Hybrid Learning is a term which we've witnessed more of since the pandemic. The new model of learning mixes in-person and virtual students in the same class.

In this article we'll discuss:

• What is hybrid learning.        
  
• The advantages and challenges of hybrid learning.        
  
• The differences between hybrid and blended learning.        
  
• One of the most popular tools and best practices for hybrid learning.        
  

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What exactly is Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning occurs the case when an educational environment has the virtual and in-person learners. That means some of the learners will physically attend the class and others are able to take part remotely, usually in a synchronized manner. As an example, if a training seminar has people sitting at their desks learning, while other participants connecting through Skype, that's hybrid learning. The use of hybrid learning is to allow people from diverse locations or with different learning styles, giving more options for those who are unable to take part in a live event.

Hybrid learning, made up of simultaneous video broadcasts with live classes, has been around for some time. For example, simulcast events are commonplace for a variety of organizations. But-thanks to the pandemic-they have been gaining popularity. For example, when pandemic restrictions put physical constraints on how many people could fit in one area, universities and colleges set space restrictions but opened up online viewing for courses.

While the health-related restrictions of public schools have been lifted (as as of this writing) the concept of hybrid learning has become a valued way to safeguard people's choices for living in physical spaces. As a result, it's likely to be around for the long haul. In the case of outbreak, a number of places of worship began broadcasting on YouTube. Today, some of the members have returned in person and others will continue to watch live streams online.

What that means is that the concept of hybrid learning and engagement will become the norm for large organizations. It's here to remain.

Advantages of hybrid learning

While many people think of hybrid learning as an outbreak It's not only about the health of people. Here are some of the advantages of hybrid learning:

• Learning flexibility for students: A recent UNESCO study found that 82% of postsecondary students would like at least online education (41 percent want to learn online exclusively). Hybrid learning gives this option and allows learners to be flexible.    
  
• Reduces infrastructure needs: As we've witnessed when we've had live events, having participants on the stage lets educators tap into the energy of those in attendance and react to the audience, however there is a limit to the amount of seats inside the room. That's what makes the hybrid event so effective. Teachers, educators and coaches are recognizing that they can open up virtual event spaces-without needing more physical space.    
  
• The new revenue streams range 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 offered in unlimited quantities, possibly at a discount.    
  
• Accessibility: UNESCO reports lower education graduation rates all over the world for learners with disabilities-higher drops, as well as lower reading. Learning through hybrids can benefit for this kind of accessibility (although it's unlikely to be the best solution for every learner). But even for adult learners who are struggling to get to classes, the hybrid method of teaching can make learning possible for those who might not otherwise be able to access it.    
  

• Studies on effectiveness suggest that hybrid learning can be just as efficient for distant learners (if not more).    
  
• Technology integration: Hybrid learners have the benefit of all kinds of technology advancements, but especially in a platform that is a hybrid of learning. Alongside watching, listening, and notetaking, they could be using polls and questions as well as various content choices as well as discussions with peers and many more. When done properly, technological integration can help enhance learning.    
  
• Collaboration hybrid learning is a way to make use of collaboration tools like forums, shared projects, and various other types of virtual groupwork.      
  
• Data-driven insights: Finally the instructor or institution is able to access information that will help to understand what was working and what didn't. The majority of online learning platforms come with analytics built in to show where learners are spending their time, and how active they are.    
  

Challenges of hybrid learning

• Classroom management: Since classroom management is a challenge for the best of teachers, hybrid learning introduces new challenges. Having multiple types of learners is a daunting task. Most of the studies showing the effectiveness in hybrid learning was done by high school students and self-directed learners.      
  
• Technological barriers: hybrid learning demands technology at both sides. For the classroom, this involves video, microphone, and perhaps screen sharing-all which is essential to make sure that remote students can view and hear what's happening. For the student's end, they'll need reliable internet as well as a mobile or laptop for watching.      
  
• Tech support: if your students are experiencing technical difficulties they may be unable to resolve them. It may be beneficial to establish a dedicated IT team.      
  
• The changing pedagogy of teachers: instructors who teach in a hybrid setting need to meet learning goals and objectives, but they have to do it with students in person and online. It can be difficult.      
  
• Assessment: Evaluation could be a challenge when students are present in the class, and certain students are in remote. In the case of, for example, if you give a test, do remote students cheat? The process of designing tests that are fair and precise to help hybrid learners.      
  
• Inclusivity: we said above that learning via hybrid methods can increase inclusion, however it can also hurt it. It's easier for those struggling with learning issues to slip in the wrong direction when they study at their homes.      
  

Examples of learning in a hybrid way

• An academic lecture that includes live and virtual students.        
  
• An expert development course which is held at the company's headquarters and watched remotely by branches.        
  
• A class in language learning where students participate in a classroom learning experience and converse with language partners via the internet.        
  
• A fitness class takes place in person however it's livestreamed over the internet or a health application .      
  

What's the difference between hybrid and blended learning?

Hybrid learning is often mixed with blended learning. Sometimes the two terms are utilized interchangeably. They are not the same thing. Blended learning refers to the process of using various learning tools for teaching students, both in person and via online (e.g. with a community, discussion board, or online project). We use the term"hybrid learning" to refer to both online and in-person learners who are engaged in a learning process simultaneously.

• Hybrid learning is synchronous, while blended learning can be synchronous, or even analog.    
  
• Blended learning implies that the learners each get the same digital and classroom instruction. With hybrid, each learner experiences a distinct experience the program.      
  

We talk about hybrid events, which are a mix of attendees in person and online.

Tools for learning in a hybrid way

1. Platform for online learning

Hybrid learning usually involves an online learning platform. For students at an educational institution there may be the learning software or LMS already in use by the school that it uses. Otherwise, hybrid instructors could require an LMS.

There is a complete guide to online learning platforms here. But here are a few alternatives:
Online learning software for organizations as well as independent creators: Kajabi, Thinkific
Platforms for online education that are institutionalized: Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard

2. Video conferencing tools

The online software you use for learning could have video conferencing capabilities integrated. Many do. Therefore, before looking for a tool to video conference make sure to check.

In other cases, you might require videoconferencing to facilitate hybrid learning.
Video conferencing platforms: Zoom, Google Meet, Skype

3. Discussion tools

The best online learning platforms are integrated. This means that you don't require it. However, for discussion tools that are accompanied by them it is possible to look at platforms like Microsoft Teams or Slack.

4. Microphone

When it comes to streaming or recording audio and recording audio, sound quality is among the most important things. It's hard to enjoy an audio stream that isn't clear, while having fuzzy video isn't a big issue with the clarity of an audio source.

A low-cost microphone or a set of headphones that have a microphone integrated will improve the quality of sound. Some teachers may want a professional condenser microphone.

5. Video

Any modern smartphone or webcam is capable of taking decent quality video This could suffice for some teachers. If not, it is possible to choose a professional video platform.

Strategies for learning in a hybrid way

1. Communicate

• Be sure to clearly convey the expectations and schedule of the class. Also, be sure to be clear on access guidelines. Make sure you communicate log-on and tech info early and frequently.      
  

2. Training

• It is important to instruct students to use the information from the course remotely, and how to make use of technology.        
  

3. Consistency

• Set up a regular program for your class materials to establish the expectations for students and make it more easy for students to have access.        
  

4. Engaging video

• Be sure that the content is enjoyable for everyone. In other words, ensure that remote learners can see the slides as well as any visual materials. Or, if you're using an electronic feature (e.g. polling or questions), make sure the students are able to access it.      
  

5. Community Building

• Create an active group of students for better learning outcomes. Students can make connections and share ideas.      
  

Ready to start?

If you're in search of an area to host hybrid education then you should try . It's a course and community platform with livestreaming capabilities, an LMS to host recorded and live classes, member profiles, and chat and discussions built-in. It's the perfect hybrid platform to learn for professionals as well as coaches, brands and instructors.

Test it for at no cost during 14 days!