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How to ensure remote and onsite participants have an equal spot

The new era of hybrid, shaped by an ongoing pandemic and fast technological advancements, has opened numerous possibilities for the education world, especially for those institutions prepared to embrace and adapt to these uncertain but exciting times.

Hybrid learning is now an umbrella term encompassing a mix of onsite and online, synchronous and asynchronous methods. A particular model under this umbrella is synchronous learning in the hybrid classroom. Learning in a hybrid classroom occurs when students connect virtually or participate in the physical classroom, in the same session at the same time, with instructors teaching also onsite.

Hybrid-classroom-enabled learning is an innovative method, powered by education technology, that will support learning goals, meet student demands and pedagogical methods. They leverage the strengths of both live and remote learning and will enable positive outcomes in an effective and engaging way.

What are some of the advantages of hybrid classrooms?

Hybrid classrooms allow for flexible learning experiences. Students and participants join either onsite or online, depending on their preferences or based on an agreed-upon schedule. Are they experiencing any last-minute issues? They can just join virtually from wherever they are and ensure they are not missing the session. For the participants connecting remotely, the only prerequisite is a stable internet connection.

Furthermore, hybrid classrooms allow participants to get the best of both worlds. Alternating their virtual presence with the onsite one, they benefit from an interesting and varied learning path which will render them more motivated and engaged. Students will be able to gather from all over the world and get to know their instructors in person, enjoy the campus experience of their institution, and meet their peers.

Lastly, it is a future-ready method that will prepare students to perform and lead in a hybrid working environment with both local and remote teams that meet in person occasionally. They will acquire valuable insights at both a local and global level and enjoy an enriching learning experience.

The challenges of hybrid classrooms

Despite the numerous advantages of hybrid classrooms, challenges persist when leading sessions in this format. Among the most cited ones, we can mention: disengaged remote learners, lack of connection between remote and in-class participants, the feeling of a two-level experience and instructors having to switch between the two audiences.

How to achieve great experiences in a hybrid classroom

1. Have the right setup

Setting up the physical classroom for a hybrid model is the first step in ensuring all participants have a seamless, unified and interactive learning experience, regardless of being in-class or joining virtually.

A first possible set-up would be the auditorium-style, with a wall with screens displaying remote participants at the back of the class, so the professor can see and address everyone directly. Another screen would be, ideally, placed at the front so remote and online students can see and interact with each other. This set up is perfect for lecture style teaching and will enable the lecturer to not switch between audiences.

The hybrid interactive classroom would consist in small clusters of students sitting in separate pods, with one screen for remote participants in each dedicated space. This style allows for a high degree of interaction and collaboration, and it is perfect for workshops, in-depth discussions or practical exercises.

Last but not least, apart from the room configuration and screens, a proficient installation will also include multiple cameras, microphones and speakers - essential elements for crystal-clear sound and views.

2. Ensure effective communication at all stages

Considering the nature of hybrid classrooms, strong communication and a multidisciplinary approach are crucial to achieving successful results. During the adoption process, make sure you bring faculty and program directors together to discuss with instructional designers and specialists in education, AV and IT.

Reflect upon the learning objectives and demands of your learners, then adapt pedagogical methods to those and the hybrid classroom. For example, the flipped classroom method could be great for an interactive hybrid classroom setup. Even for lecture-style sessions in an auditorium setup, make sure that communication stays active: foster dialogue and ensure all participants are included regardless of location.

Shift the mindset from either online or remote classes and focus on creating a shared, unified experience. Plan for activities that will convey this kind of feeling: videos, polls and quizzes, discussions etc. Since the hybrid classroom will most likely be a new experience, communicate clearly during the onboarding, show students how they can join, share best practices, to-do lists and instructions for both online and onsite presence to ensure smooth running sessions.

3. Choose the right technology partner

Selecting the right technology partner when adopting a hybrid classroom is essential to your success. Make sure the partner provides the solution that will fulfill the technological needs identified by your institution and that is easy to use by all stakeholders.

Choose a solution that has features that will create the highly interactive, engaging and collaborative environment learners need. Some of those can include multiple content streams for remote participants, polls, quizzes, and online and in-class whiteboards, accessible to both groups, etc. These will elicit enhanced attention levels and guarantee in-depth collaboration.

Besides the technology product, the team behind it is fundamental. Make sure they are reliable and will listen to the challenges and demands of your institution and offer bespoke support throughout the entire journey, adjusting and enhance their offering according to your feedback.

Learning in hybrid classrooms can be a brand-new, innovative and engaging experience that will support your institution expand into new horizons and enable bright learning outcomes for your students in an interesting an engaging way. However, new models can prove daunting at times. Make sure you overcome challenges by having the right setup, ensuring strong communication internally and externally and by picking carefully your technology partners.