Hybrid Teaching and Learning
A hybrid approach to CSE is one that blends any two approaches. It includes all digital environments that blend synchronous and asynchronous methods, environments that have both in person and synchronous methods or in person and asynchronous methods. There are so many different approaches to hybrid learning that it’s difficult to summarize. Nevertheless, there are some important elements to consider when using hybrid approaches to teaching and learning.
Pros:
- A learning approach that uses a combination of digital platforms (synchronous and asynchronous) tends to be very effective. Teachers are able to pick from a wider range of platforms for each activity and content area and participants are able to be more flexible in their own learning styles and available times. This allows teachers to capitalize on the pros and reduce the cons of digital learning.
Cons:
- A learning approach that uses a mix of in-person and digital participation is much less successful. These groups must, essentially, be taught as though they were entirely digital so that the online participants do not lose out on critical elements of the learning. This is true whether the teacher is in-person and the students are a mix of online and in-person or the teacher is online and the students are in-person or a mix of in-person or online.
Tips:
If you are using the first approach to hybrid teaching and learning, lean in heavily on the pros for each of the methodologies. Really use them to their fullest extent.
If you must use a hybrid approach that mixes in-person and online approaches, regardless of who is online and who is in-person, here are some things to consider:
- All participants, regardless of their positionality in the learning space, will need access to digital technology.
- Use exclusively digital means for 1:1 teacher-to-student communication so that the students in both online and in-person settings have equal access.
