During COVID-19, try has been made to train the teachers to use both face-to-face and online methods of teaching. There are numerous benefits of hybrid learning for teachers. They can use digital resources for content delivery as well as assessment and thus enhance their pedagogical skills.
What is Hybrid learning?
Hybrid learning is a combination of face-to-face and online instruction where both types complement each other. In Some models of hybrid learning, the students receive coaching online and only come for exams or other assessments in person.
Benefits of hybrid learning for teachers
There are some benefits of hybrid learning which are mentioned below.
Benefit # 1: Flexibility
In hybrid learning, the teachers use a mixture of in-person and online lessons. They have the opportunity to design curriculum and meet the diverse learning needs of the students. This is one of the many benefits of hybrid learning for teachers.
Benefit # 2: Increased engagement
There is another benefit of hybrid learning for teachers. Compared to traditional classroom methods, they use a variety of online tools, such as videos and quizzes, to engage students.
Benefit # 3: Access to resources
Teachers are able to have access to a variety of digital resources. For example, educational websites, virtual field trips, and multimedia content enhance the quality and depth of teaching materials. This is the biggest benefit of hybrid learning for teachers.
Benefit # 4: Data driven insights
Provision of data on students’ performance enables the teachers to identify the learning gapes of students, track their progress, and alter their teaching methods accordingly.
Benefit # 5: Time efficiency
the other benefits of hybrid learning for teachers is that the teachers can focus more on actual teaching because due to hybrid learning they are able to digitalize their administrative tasks and grade assessments electronically thus save their precious time.
Benefit # 6: Enhancement of teachers’ digital skills
the other benefits of hybrid learning for teachers is that through the use of combination of in-person and online teaching methods, the teachers become versatile educators. It is because the use of online classes enables them to boost their digital skills, and foster the professional development.
Benefit # 7: Collaborative learning
the other benefits of hybrid learning for teachers is that the skills of teamwork and communication of the students can be facilitated through collaborative projects assigned in both in-person and online classes.
Benefit # 8: Students’ safety is ensured
One of the biggest benefits of hybrid learning for teachers is that in case of pandemic or any natural disaster, the students can attend their class at their convenience in a safe environment from home.
Benefit # 9: Flexibility in learning experiences
the other benefits of hybrid learning for teachers and students is thattThose students who are unable to attend the class physical, through hybrid learning they are able to learn from home. Many schools move to hybrid learning due to flexibility i-e flexibility in learning schedules, flexibility in the modes of teaching, and flexibility in communication as well as collaboration.
Benefit # 10: Academic exploration freedom
the other benefits of hybrid learning for teachers is that Many freedoms are associated with the online learning. For example, there is freedom opportunity with the students to revisit the learning material any time they like.
Benefit # 11: Frequent communication
the other benefits of hybrid learning for teachers is that there are frequent opportunities available with the students and teachers to communicate with each other. The students can get answers of their questions any time they like.
Benefit # 12: Advantageous use of technology
along with the the other benefits of hybrid learning for teachers there are certain resources and tools are available for teachers which can make the process of learning easier. For example, Google Docs and canvas helps on facilitating the communication and providing students with feedback.
Benefit # 13: Greater understanding and engagement
Since with the help of hybrid learning, the teacher can pay individual attention, students are able to understand the material in a better way and greater engagement.
Benefit # 14: Chance of watching lectures later on
In case if the student misses the online class due to some reason, he/she can watch later on at his/her convenience which is not possible in traditional teaching methods.
Benefit # 15: Solution for teachers’ shortage
If there a shortage of teachers of a particular subject in a particular area, then it is possible for the authorities to assign more online classes to the teacher of a particular subject.
Disadvantages of hybrid learning
Along with many advantages, hybrid learning has many disadvantages.
1. Time management skills
The element of freedom and flexibility can shatter the skills of the students to manage their time. If they are not able to manage their time, they may remain deficient in their studies.
2. Less students’ participation
Since there is no check and balance on the students to ensure their participation in online classes, there is a chance that students will be shown as online participants but actually they will not be attending their class which will proof detrimental for their studies.
3. Lack of internet facilities
In some areas of certain there may be the issue of availability of internet connection. Without internet facilities, they may not be able to participate in online part of their studies which may prove a hindrance in their studies.
Steps which can enhance benefits of Hybrid learning for teachers
Setting up semester goals
Setting up of semester goals are essential for the successful outcomes. These goals and objective enable the teachers and students to maintain a focused approach. It also helps foster accountability and promotes active engagement with virtual discussion and real-world discussions.
Map it out
After setting up of clear goals and objectives, the next step is to create a chart or other visual tools for outlining the course modules and relevant activities as well as resources in chronological order. This will enable the teachers to identify any loophole in the developed activities.
Selection of activities for face-to-face classes
After developing the objectives, and creating the maps, it is important to decide that which activity should be reserved for in-person class or online classes. For example the teacher can reserve the following activities for face-to-face interaction.
- Sessions of group brainstorming
- Identifying class expectations and individual responsibilities
- Establishment of trust-based learning environment
- Provision of timely feedback to students