Hyflex is an instructional approach that many classrooms will experience this school year. As students return to the classroom in person, schools are trying new methods to suit each student. Hyflex is the method that combines in-class learning and online learning. Thus, students can decide which method suits them.
The use of a Hyflex course delivers the lesson to in-person students at the same time as online students. Schools live stream lessons so they are available for review later. Teachers can interact with students in class as well as online students. Schools utilize Zoom or similar virtual means.
Hyflex is commonly used at the collegiate level. However, the pandemic has many K-12 schools adopting the model.
Hyflex and Teachers
There are many teacher concerns with the flex model. They are concerned with teacher burnout as they handle many problems that arise.
- -All students need time for face-to-face with the teacher. Teachers must remember to give online students face-to-fact time at some point.
- -Keep teaching and assignments simple.
- -As technology problems arise, consult the IT as well as other teachers. Find help for students that also have tech problems.
- -All students must be involved in classroom jobs. Such jobs include a timer for activities, attendance tracker, class break leader.
- -Balance in-class and online learners. All students need a chance to attend in-class. Therefore, room and time must be made to accommodate everyone.
- -Remember to repeat questions from in-class learners to the online students.
- -Before the synchronous meeting, share the agenda or outline of the lesson.
Advantages
Hyflex is advantageous for students. Thus, they can decide if they want to attend class in person or attend online. Also, many classroom designs let students decide on multiple levels of instruction. Thus, allow students to engage in group learning and social distance at the same time.
Hyflex learning provides the best of both worlds for students. However, it requires much adaptation and training for teachers. Hence, once in place as an option, students and teachers may lose ‘snow days’ for online learning.
