Education has always been a fluid discipline, changing over time to address new technologies, ideologies, requirements and information. However, the spread of COVID-19 since March 2020 has led to an increased need for new ways to educate students.
Two growing trends within education over the years merged during the epidemic: hybrid learning through new technologies, and flexible spaces.
The teaching method has taken on the moniker “HyFlex”, and it combines flexible course structure and hybrid learning, allowing students the option to attend classes in person, online, or both based on the individual’s preference or the school’s COVID safety plan. By creating a flexible environment and integrating technology that allows learning to occur in multiple locations at once, educators have found that there are less disruptions to their course planning and students stay current in their studies.
For many schools, HyFlex was already beginning to be adopted, but COVID-19 made it necessary at a large scale. As things begin to “return to normal,” schools and universities are having to ask themselves what the future of education will look like and how HyFlex fits into the structure.
Although many teachers who dealt with HyFlex education in the last year may have recognized many of the challenges, there is a wide range of long-term benefits to HyFlex as well:
Recorded Classes Help Provide Extra Help to Students
With the inclusion of video technology as a vital part of HyFlex, recording classes, seminars, and lectures has become a simple part of the process. While it may be easy to “zone out” during a lecture online, many students found it just as easy to let their minds wander in person as well without the failsafe of having a recording they could look back upon.
What is more, closed captioning has become more widely available on video platforms. For students who are hard-of-hearing or deaf, ESL and international students, recordings and closed captioning gives them more access to the course material, even after the class is over.
Equitable Education is More Widely Available
When it comes to a student’s K-12 education, they are often limited by their location and the resources offered there. For many, a top education is out of reach due to economic and social factors, including being able to physically attend a school that provides more opportunities.
But when schooling becomes virtual or fits a HyFlex model, the same level of education can be offered at a much lower price point to a much wider audience. Students are more capable of receiving an education that matches their intelligence and skill set when the education can come to them rather than rely on their making it to the school.
Education Becomes International
In the same vein, one common situation within higher education throughout COVID has been the ability for international students to continue their schooling while quarantined in their home country. While there are challenges associated with an international class, HyFlex offers a new sense of what is possible when it comes to where someone is taking classes, providing a global economy and society with more options.
Certifications and Training Are More Easily Obtained
As tuition has inflated dramatically over the years, people have become more aware that a college education may not be for everyone—a fact that became more apparent as the number of those certified in the trades began to dwindle. However, for those who must work full-time and have extra responsibilities, the option to go back to school for a certificate or an associate degree in the trades may not be possible.
With the emergence of HyFlex comes greater flexibility in when and where individuals can get their schooling or training done. For those who are looking to advance their education or career, HyFlex offers more opportunities to juggle their schooling with their work and family lives, as well as provide education to those who do not match the traditional K-12 model, such as high school students who would like to finish school early or need additional help.
Even as things begin to open with the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out, HyFlex will continue to offer benefits to educational institutions, allowing for a broader scope of learning to occur and widening opportunities.