A new school semester begins and with it new challenges given the changes that have become more evident since last year 2020 and the COVID 19 pandemic. For several years there has been talk about necessary changes in educational processes and methodologies that adapt to the needs of today’s world. As a consequence, many universities already have academic degrees that can be completed completely online or in a hybrid mode . This is thanks to advances in information and communication technologies.
However, the past year has made the much talked about change a daily reality around the world. It was through practice that most of the teachers were able to get to know closely what the integration of a virtual model is like in their daily teaching process. So much so that many have chosen to continue with this model as their first option when working on the teaching process.
This school year begins from a different perspective since some of the students, administrative staff and teachers of the educational centers are already vaccinated. However, this does not exempt from changes and the possibility of resorting to online learning as a rapid response mechanism to an emergency. This is where we talk about hybrid learning , what it is, what its advantages are and how it can be carried out correctly.
What is hybrid learning?
Hybrid learning is not a new modality; For years it has been used and integrated into classrooms (K-12) because of its great benefits. Hybrid learning (blended learning)or semi-face-to-face is a learning style where the face-to-face modality and the online modality are combined, making use of the integration of resources and ICTs. This model offers online learning opportunities with synchronous and asynchronous activities, while face-to-face meetings are intended to develop a specific activity (exams, presentations, theses, etc.). This model allows the educational process to be carried out without interruption either from the face-to-face classroom or virtual classroom. Among these integrations we can mention the MOOC platforms, social networks, forums and blogs. This modality recognizes that learning can be acquired from different sources and supports the educator as a facilitator of the teaching process.
Teacher recommendations
In order for the hybrid learning process to be one of benefit for the students, several recommendations addressed to the teacher are proposed .
- Offer opportunities and social media as a learning object.
- Stimulate prior knowledge.
- Master the skills and abilities to impart the didactics of concepts.
- Advise and provide hours of tutoring and clarification of doubts to students.
- Facilitate self-assessment.
- Provide constant feedback for material correction.
Advantages of hybrid learning
Hybrid learning has several advantages for both the teacher and the students. Among them we mention a few.
- The time of the students and their ability to search for information are taken into account.
- It focuses on the creation and adaptation of modules and materials according to the specific needs of each student.
- It incorporates information and communication technologies as a facilitating element.
- It presents the content in different modalities and updated in a way that serves as a form of continuing education.
- It promotes active participation and discussion through different forums and educational elements.
- Promotes the active participation of students in their learning process.
In short, hybrid learning is a model that is here to stay. Many academic institutions are making use of this model, as it allows the educational process not to stop. However, the most important characteristic of this model is that it adapts to the needs of the students; so that students can study at their own pace and get the most out of their learning process.
