This is our Guide to Hybrid Learning (2024) |

Hybrid Learning is a term we've heard more of since the virus. The new model of learning includes virtual and in-person learners in the same classroom.

In this piece We'll be discussing:

• What hybrid learning is.        
  
• The pros and cons of hybrid learning.        
  
• The differences between blended and hybrid learning.        
  
• Some of the methods and best practices to use for hybrid learning.        
  

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What is Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning occurs where a learning space includes students who are both virtual and in-person. 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 around a desk learning and others connected via Skype this is a the case with hybrid learning. The use of hybrid learning is to cater for people coming from various locations or with different learning styles and offers more choices for people who cannot be able to attend the event in person.

Hybrid learning, which consists of simultaneously broadcasting video and live classes, has been around for at least a decade. As an example, simultaneous broadcasts were common for numerous organizations. But-thanks to the pandemic-they have increased in frequency. For example, when pandemic restrictions put physical constraints to the number of people who could be in a physical space, many institutions and universities set limits on space, but also allowed online viewing for courses.

Even as public health restrictions are gone (as as of this writing), hybrid learning has gained popularity as a method of ensure that people's needs are protected within physical environments. As a result, it's likely to be around for the long haul. As an example, in the pandemic, many churches began to broadcast on YouTube. Even now, some participants have returned in person and others will continue to watch live streams online.

What this means is that hybrid learning and engagement will be the norm for large organizations. It's here to be for the long haul.

The advantages of hybrid learning

While many people believe that hybrid learning is an outbreak It's not only about public health measures. Here are some of the benefits of learning in a hybrid format:

• Flexibility for learners: A recent UNESCO study revealed that 82% post-secondary students want at least some online instruction (41% want online only). Hybrid learning offers this possibility: flexibility for learners.    
  
• It reduces the need for infrastructure: As we've seen at live events, having participants within the audience allows an educator feed off of this energy and interact with their needs, yet space is constrained by the amount of seats inside the room. This is one of the reasons why an event that is hybrid so successful. Teachers, educators, and coaches are realizing that they have the ability to create 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 needing more chairs. Virtual seats can be offered in an unlimited capacity-possibly at a discount.    
  
• accessibility: UNESCO reports lower education completion rates across the board in the case of learners with disabilities, which means higher rates of rates of dropouts and lower reading. Learning through hybrids can aid in this type of accessibility (although it's not the best answer for all learners). Even for those who are who are struggling to get to class, hybrid teaching is a way to make learning more accessible for people who would otherwise not be able to have access to it.    
  

• The effectiveness: Early studies suggest that hybrid learning can be equally efficient for distant learners (if there isn't any greater).    
  
• Integration of technology: Hybrid students are able to benefit from a variety technological advancements, particularly in a platform that is a hybrid of learning. In addition to watching, listening, and taking notes, they can be using polls and questions as well as various content choices and discussions with their classmates and much more. If done right, technological integration could make learning more effective.    
  
• Collaboration: hybrid learning can take advantage of collaboration tools like discussion boards, shared projects, and various other types of virtual groupwork.      
  
• Data-driven insights: Finally the institution or instructor has access to data that helps them understand what worked as well as what wasn't. The majority of online learning platforms come with analytics built in to show how learners spend their time, and how active they are.    
  

Hybrid learning: challenges and opportunities

• Classroom management: As classroom management is a challenge for the best of instructors, the hybrid approach introduces even more difficulties. Having multiple types of learners is tough. Most of the studies showing the effectiveness of learning through hybrids were conducted by college students or higher: self-directed learners.      
  
• Technological barriers: hybrid learning demands technology at both sides. For the classroom, this means microphone, video or screen sharing. this is necessary to ensure that the learners who are remote can watch and hear what's happening. At the students' end they'll require reliable internet as well as a mobile or laptop for watching.      
  
• Support for tech: If students are experiencing technical difficulties and have difficulty addressing the issues. It might be helpful to establish an IT department that is dedicated to.      
  
• Pedagogical changes: teachers who teach in a hybrid setting need to meet learning goals and objectives, but they have to do it with in-person and virtual learners. This can be challenging.      
  
• Assessment: Evaluation isn't always easy when students attend class but some are remote. In the case of, for example, if you give a test, can the remote learners cheat? You must plan to create tests that are fair and precise for hybrid learners.      
  
• Inclusion: We mentioned above that the use of hybrid learning could improve inclusivity, but it can be detrimental to it. It's much easier for people who have learning challenges to slip in the wrong direction if they learn from the comfort of their home.      
  

Examples of learning in a hybrid way

• Lectures at the university with students in class and online participants.        
  
• A professional development workshop which is held at the company's headquarters. It is also viewed from remote branches.        
  
• A course in learning languages that lets students take part in a classroom learning experience and communicate with their language partner on the internet.        
  
• Fitness classes take place in person however it's streamed live on the internet or a fitness app .      
  

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

Hybrid learning often gets misunderstood as blended learning. Sometimes the two terms are utilized to mean the same thing. However, they're not technically the same thing. Blended learning refers to the process of using a variety of learning mediums to instruct students both in-person as well as online (e.g. by using a community or discussion board, or online project). In contrast, we employ the term hybrid learning to refer to both online and in-person learners in a simultaneous learning experience.

• Hybrid learning occurs synchronously, while blended learning can be either synchronous or non-synchronous.    
  
• Blended learning is when students each get the same digital and classroom instruction. With hybrid, each learner has a different experience of the program.      
  

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

Tools for hybrid learning

1. Online platform for learning

Hybrid learning generally requires an online learning platform. For students at an institution of higher education, you may have Learning software or an LMS already in use by the school that it employs. In the event that hybrid instructors are not available, they could require an LMS.

The complete list of on-line learning platforms here. However, here are a few options:
Online learning software designed for companies and independent creators: , Kajabi, Thinkific
Online learning institutions: Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard

2. Tools for video conferencing

Your online learning software may have video conferencing tools built-in. Many do. Therefore, before looking for a video conferencing tool, check.

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

3. Discussion tools

In addition, the top online learning platforms have this included. This means that you don't require it. For discussion tools it is possible to look at platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Slack.

4. Microphone

When it comes to stream or recording audio, the sound quality is among the main factors. It's difficult to listen to a bad audio feed and having a blurry video doesn't pose a problem with the clarity of an audio source.

A low-cost microphone or headphones with microphones built-in can improve the sound quality. Some teachers may want a professional 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.

Tips for hybrid learning

1. Communicate

• Make sure you clearly communicate the expectations and schedule of your class. Be certain about the access requirements. Communicate log-on details as well as tech information early and frequently.      
  

2. Training

• Make sure to teach students how to access information from the course remotely, and the best ways to utilize technology.        
  

3. Consistency

• Make a standardized schedule for class material to set expectations and make it easier for students to have access.        
  

4. Engaging Content

• Make sure content is equally appealing to all students. For example, make sure that learners who are not in the classroom can view the slides as well as any visual materials. Also, if you're using an electronic feature (e.g. polling or questions) ensure that the students are able to access it.      
  

5. Community Building

• Build an engaged group of learners for better the quality of their education. Help students connect and collaborate.      
  

Ready to start?

If you're searching for an area to host hybrid learning then you should try . It's a learning and community platform that offers livestreaming, an LMS for both live and pre-recorded courses, member profiles, and chat and discussions built-in. This is the ideal learning platform for professional development as well as coaches, brands and instructors.

Try it free for 14 days!