Hybrid learning is in trend now, and it has been for some time. However, the question is raised: will it remain a hot topic and have a future in education even after the pandemic? What do researchers say, and how do those involved feel? Do they see it as an option in the future of education, or would they instead stick to the traditional education style?
Hybrid learning system
However, this is not a new learning system, but it just got accelerated due to the pandemic situation.
Hybrid learning is, at its core, the learning that “uses online components for teaching and learning that replaces face–to–face classroom time.” (Verjeana McCotter – Jacobs, National School Boards Association)
Adopting it through the pandemic situation was somewhat more complicated than more accessible for those not acquainted with the hybrid learning system. More than this, the technology, the courses that needed to be fit for this type of learning, the teachers that needed the training to provide an interactive approach to keep students interested and engaged, all require training to develop their skills into online learning.
Nowadays, hybrid learning does not mean necessarily online classes; it means multiple things according to the needs and the school possibilities,
Hybrid learning or blended learning
They are not interchangeable – as they are pretty different. Blended learning does not mean a lack of face-to-face time, but it means adding project-based learning possibilities to their usual coursework.
Meanwhile, hybrid learning means providing access to online management systems where students can do their education remotely.
How does the future of education look like?
Did you foresee this type of education would happen so fast? Most of you probably did not; this is why so many blockers appeared when trying to implement it.
However, as we are, let’s say, more experienced in this than before, we can act from a know-how point of view and try to make friends with this type of education system. Embracing the hybrid education style and integrating it into the vision of the future of education will rise many barriers along the way. While the pandemic seemed to have turned the education system upside down at the start, what it actually did, was to revolutionize it faster than it probably would have been.
The future of education depends on technological development.
High-quality education is the goal. So how can it be achieved? Good internet connectivity and good devices are the main things for an effective hybrid learning process. Thus making connectivity and suitable devices more affordable is a need.
The connectivity for a good delivery of online education starts from the campus. This is why a high capacity infrastructure that will deliver the needed bandwidth is needed.
Cybersecurity also plays a vital role in education in the future. Making sure students are protected while online and data is protected, is something to take into consideration. Content filtering services, device management solutions and protection against any breach need to be implemented.
The benefits of a hybrid learning model
It is a fact, we are used to the traditional learning model and this is a big part that creates the comfort we feel when we know our children follow a traditional learning model. However, scientific proof shows that learning online helps students retain more information, learn faster, and focus better, probably because there are no interruptions, noises, other students to engage with.
Seeing the other part of this type of learning, the teachers view, the flexibility it offers will allow teachers to have more effective learning, save more time, focus on making the classes more interactive with various demonstrative teaching-learning methods.
The flexibility the hybrid learning offers as far as time and space are concerned makes it the most appreciated distance learning option. The number of parents that prefer hybrid learning increases by the day as it is an option to keep children engaged while studying at their own pace, and teachers can create more personalized feedback for each student.
Moreover, teachers and students across the globe can interact and create relationships, give feedback, maintain open communication easier and faster. More than ever, the hybrid education system with all that it implies will help children, parents, and teachers stay connected. Teachers will also have more access to the environmental situations at home and understand better the child’s performance and help him accordingly when needed.
Preparing for hybrid education take over
It is essential to understand that hybrid education is here to stay. And as a hybrid school, we can help you strategize to become friends with the system and create the perfect environment for your students to learn.
Some sceptics believe hybrid education is not here to stay, but studies show that this new regular education style is here and is here to stay. While others strongly believe that a new hybrid model of learning will emerge.
Digital learning models have already paved their importance in the education system, and we can embrace them. Hybrid learning is a positive change in education, and it is where we would have arrived anyway.
Hybrid learning can be applied wholly or partially; there is no pressure into this is just something schools must take into account for the future and not be taken by surprise in the future.
“This shift can help take kids to the next iteration of learning, and it’s not sitting in a classroom.” (McCotter Jacobs)
According to the AT&T 2021 Future of School Report, teachers across all grade levels, low and high income, and teachers support the hybrid learning system with the right resources, curriculum, and support.
The truth is that the need for a curriculum especially created for hybrid learning exists, but this will develop with no problems and teachers of all grades will have access to it. Technology can help teachers track easier what children are learning and understand where they can help.
Conclusion
Education found a new normal in the hybrid teaching model, while some businesses still struggle with their business options.
A need for rethinking education existed, and the hybrid learning process does precisely this. It allows children to learn more than memorizing stuff. It helps them be more independent, organized, develop their critical thinking, and has the knowledge needed to become fit for the future.
The openness, flexibility and shared understanding it offers will allow schools to have more collaborative learning. This education model is a revolutionary learning system, which will help schools build an improved education system in the future.
