What is the HyFlex Learning Model and is it here to stay?
The swift transition to online learning, driven by technological advancements has necessitated a reimagining of teaching and learning methodologies among educators. Leveraging innovative online tools has introduced a paradigm shift in student engagement, accompanied by a host of challenges. While some may perceive this shift as a temporary measure, others see this as an opportunity to introduce a new OnDemand approach to education, such as Hyflex Learning.
What is HyFlex Learning?
HyFlex Learning turns on its head the traditional model in the same way Netflix has affected terrestrial TV. Hyflex is OnDemand education and requires institutions to rethink how students engage with educators, course resources, and their peers.
Hyflex learning combines face-to-face and online learning. Each lecture and learning activity is offered in-person, synchronously online, and asynchronously online. Students decide how they want to participate in each class. The model provides students autonomy, flexibility, and seamless engagement no matter where, how, or when students engage in the course. The model not only benefits students but also educators who can attend remotely while students join physically from a classroom.
Synchronous learning is online or distance education that happens in real-time.
Asynchronous learning occurs through online channels without real-time interaction.
How does HyFlex compare to Hybrid Learning?
Asynchronous learning is where students have access to online exercises and instructional videos that they can access in their own time.
Hybrid Learning is a teaching method where educators teach in-person and remote students at the same time. Asynchronous teaching methods can be used to supplement synchronous, face to face learning.
HyFlex Learning, as the name suggests, brings together Hybrid Learning with the flexibility that gives students the option of attending sessions in-person, online, or the option of both. Students can change their mode of attendance weekly or by topic, according to need or preference.
How does it Work?
Educators develop the course, tools, and channels and organizes the curriculum to reflect that structure. This means that all physical classrooms must have the technology to stream classes online. All educational resources must be available online prior to the original live class, with chat functionality available for student participation.
What are the Main Adoption Challenges
The main challenge to implementing HyFlex revolves around the technology requirements needed to adopt a multi-channel course, along with the people requirement to consistently deliver all coursework on multiple channels.
Is HyFlex a Reaction to External Factors?
Developed in 2006 by Brian Beatty, associate professor of instructional technologies at San Francisco State University, HyFlex isn’t a novel concept. However, it’s gained significant traction lately due to its adaptability to various challenges beyond the current context.
While recent events might have brought HyFlex into the spotlight, its versatility extends to addressing potential threats like climate change, natural disasters, and other health crises.
Why is HyFlex gaining so much traction?
In recent years, educational institutions have been deliberating on their approaches to delivering teaching and learning for the upcoming academic term. Some have opted to implement stringent campus guidelines and proceed with resuming in-person teaching, while others have committed to exclusively online learning.
Meanwhile, certain institutions are considering a hybrid model to cater to varying student preferences. There are challenges emerging when students opt to defer or abstain from on-campus attendance for personal reasons. This has led to a significant backlog in enrollment as administrators address individual cases. What if there were a way to accommodate all students, regardless of external circumstances, by offering flexible teaching and learning options?
HyFlex aims to deliver a flexible solution that meets the needs of all students immediately. By offering in-person, synchronously online, and asynchronously online, students can decide how they wish to participate.
CONTACT US
Interested in learning more about how SEAtS can help you implement more effective student interventions? Contact Us Today!
