This is our Guide to Hybrid Learning (2024) |

Hybrid learning is a concept that we've seen a lot more since the pandemic. The new model of learning mixes in-person and virtual learners in the same classroom.

In this post, we'll talk about:

• What hybrid learning is.        
  
• The pros and cons of learning in a hybrid way.        
  
• The distinctions between hybrid learning and blended learning.        
  
• One of the most popular methods and best practices to use for learning in a hybrid way.        
  

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What is Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning happens when a learning environment includes the virtual and in-person learners. This means that some learners will physically attend the class and others are able to take part remotely, usually at a time. For example, when the training session has participants at a table learning, and others connected via Skype, that's an example of hybrid learning. Hybrid learning can be used to cater for people coming from various regions or various learning preferences offering more possibilities for those who are unable to attend in person.

Hybrid learning, which consists of video broadcasts that simultaneously include classroom instruction, has been in existence for at least a decade. For example, simulcast events have been common for many companies. Since the outbreak, they have increased in frequency. For example, when pandemic restrictions put physical constraints regarding how many persons could be in a physical area, schools and universities imposed limits on space, but also allowed online viewing for courses.

Even as public health restrictions have been lifted (as of writing this), hybrid learning has become a valued way to protect people's preferences for being within physical environments. This means that it's likely to be around for the long haul. For example, during the epidemic, many churches began to broadcast over YouTube. Even now, some participants have returned in person as well as watching the broadcasts online.

What that means is that hybrid learning and engagement will become the norm for numerous organizations, and it's going to stay.

The advantages of learning in a hybrid way

Many of us may associate hybrid learning with a pandemic response It's not only about public health measures. Here are a few advantages of hybrid learning:

• Flexibility for learners Learners can be flexible: A recent UNESCO study revealed that 82% of post-secondary students would like at least online instruction (41 percent prefer online-only). The hybrid learning model offers: flexibility for learners.    
  
• Reducing the requirement for infrastructure we've seen when we've had live events, having attendees on the stage lets the educator tap into this energy and interact with their needs, yet there is a limit to the chairs that are inside the room. It's one thing that makes a hybrid event so great. Teachers, educators and coaches are discovering that they have the ability to create online event venues without the need for physical space.    
  
• New revenue: From colleges to business events, having access to hybrid learning can generate more income without needing more chairs. Virtual seats can be offered in unlimited quantities, 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 drops, as well as lower level of literacy. Learning through hybrids can aid in this type of accessibility (although it's not the right option for everyone). However, even for adults struggling to make it to class, hybrid teaching could make learning accessible to students who may not access the course.    
  

• Effectiveness: Some early studies indicate that the hybrid approach to learning could prove just as effective for remote learners (if there isn't any greater).    
  
• Technological integration: Hybrid learners are able to benefit from a variety of technological advances, especially on a hybrid learning platform. Apart from watching, listening, and taking notes, they may utilize polls and queries as well as various content choices and discussions with their classmates and more. If done right, technological integration could improve learning.    
  
• Collaboration Learning that is hybrid is a way to make use of collaborative tools such as discussion boards as well as shared projects and different forms of virtual teamwork.      
  
• Data-driven insights: Finally, the instructor or institution has access to data that helps the institution understand what has worked as well as what wasn't. A majority of online learning platforms include analytics in place to reveal how learners spend their time and how engaged they are.    
  

Hybrid learning: challenges and opportunities

• Classroom management: As the management of classrooms is an issue even the most experienced instructors, the hybrid approach introduces new challenges. The fact that you have multiple learners can be a challenge. The majority of studies that showed the effectiveness of learning through hybrids were conducted by high school students and self-directed learners.      
  
• Technological barriers: hybrid learning needs technology on both the ends. In the classroom, it involves video, microphone or screen sharing. this is necessary to ensure the remote learners can see and hear what's happening. When the learners are finished will require a reliable internet connection as well as a mobile or laptop for watching.      
  
• Tech support: if your students encounter technical issues they may be unable to resolve these. It may be beneficial having the support of a specialist IT staff.      
  
• The changing pedagogy of teachers: instructors who teach in a hybrid setting must meet their learning objectives and objectives, but they have to do it with in-person and virtual learners. This can be challenging.      
  
• Assessment: It could be a challenge when students attend class but others are at home. In the case of, for example, if you conduct a test can the remote learners cheat? The process of designing an accurate and fair test to help hybrid learners.      
  
• Inclusivity: we said above that hybrid learning can improve the accessibility of education, but it could harm it. It's easier for those struggling with learning issues to slip through the cracks when they study at the comfort of their home.      
  

Examples of learning in a hybrid way

• Lectures at the university with live and virtual students.        
  
• An expert development course that's attended at company headquarters, and viewed remotely by branches.        
  
• A course in learning languages where students participate in an interactive learning environment and communicate with their language partner on the internet.        
  
• A fitness class takes place in person, but it is streamed live on the internet or a app for fitness. app .      
  

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

Hybrid learning is often misunderstood as blended learning. In some cases, the terms can be used to mean the same thing. They are not the same thing. Blended learning occurs the process of using a variety of learning mediums to instruct students both in-person and via online (e.g. by using a community or discussion board, or other online project). In contrast, we employ the term"hybrid" learning for both online and in-person learners who are engaged in a learning process simultaneously.

• Hybrid learning is synchronous however blended learning could be either synchronous or non-synchronous.    
  
• Blended learning is when students receive the exact same online as well as in-person training. In a hybrid course, every student gets a unique experience from the course.      
  

For example, we talk about hybrid events-which are mixtures of attendees in person and online.

Tools for learning in a hybrid way

1. Platform for online learning

Hybrid learning generally needs an online platform for learning. For those at an educational institution, you may have Learning software or an LMS in place that your institution utilizes. Otherwise, hybrid instructors may need to find one.

We have a full list of the online platforms for learning here. However, here are a few options:
Online learning software for organizations as well as independent creators: Kajabi, Thinkific
Platforms for online education that are institutionalized: Moodle, Canvas, Blackboard

2. Videoconferencing tools

The online software you use for learning may have video conferencing tools included. Many do. So before you look for a tool to video conference make sure to check.

If not, it is possible to use videoconferencing for hybrid learning.
Video conferencing platforms: Zoom, Google Meet, Skype

3. Discussion tools

In addition, the top 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 such as Microsoft Teams or Slack.

4. Microphone

In terms of streaming audio or recording it, the sound quality is the primary factors. It's difficult to listen to a bad audio feed but having blurry videos isn't an issue when you have a clear audio feed.

Even a low-cost lapel mic or headphones with a microphone built-in can improve the sound quality. But some teachers might consider the use of a professional condenser mic.

5. Video

A modern mobile or webcam will shoot decent videos and this could suffice for some teachers. If not, it is possible to choose a professional video platform.

Tips for hybrid learning

1. Communicate

• Make sure you clearly communicate your expectations as well as the schedule for the class. Also, be sure to be clear on access guidelines. Inform students of log-on information and tech info early and frequently.      
  

2. Training

• Make sure to teach students how to connect to course material remotely and the best ways to utilize technology.        
  

3. Consistency

• Create a consistent schedule for class material to set standards and make it easy for students to have access.        
  

4. Engaging Content

• Be sure that the content is appealing to all students. As an example, you should ensure that distant learners are able to view the slides and visual material. If you're using electronic features (e.g. polling or questions), make sure the students are able to access it.      
  

5. Community building

• Develop an engaging group of learners in order to enhance the quality of their education. Help students connect and work together.      
  

Are you ready to begin?

If you're looking for an area to host hybrid learning then you should try . It's a community and course platform with livestreaming, an LMS that can host both live and pre-recorded courses members' profiles, chat and discussion built into. It's the perfect hybrid platform to learn for professionals as well as coaches, brands and instructors.

You can try it for without cost in 14 days!