HyFlex Classrooms

HyFlex classrooms allow you to simulcast classes online, teach students in a face-to-face setting, and provide your lecture On-Demand all at once.

As an example, the lecturer can hold their class over Zoom from their own home. This lecture on Zoom is transmitted both onto a screen to in the classroom and in their own homes. Furthermore, a recording of the lecture can be made available on ELMS later. Students will hence be able to choose from these different class formats based on their health, schedule, or other factors.　　

In HyFlex classes, lecturers will prepare as if they are giving a simulcast class. Thus, even if face-to-face classes are not possible, lecturers will easily be able to switch and hold Simulcast Classes.

On the other hand, because it may be difficult to organize a classroom setting and it will be necessary to pay attention to students both in classroom and on the internet, teachers will be saddled with a greater burden than usual. We suggest working together with a TA to regularly check in on students in both environments when conducting HyFlex classes

Students can work in their preferred learning spaces, whether it be in classroom, at home, or in a self-study room.

There are 4 points to consider when broadcasting HyFlex classes

① Show your materials in class using screen-sharing technology

It is best to make it so that the view in the classroom and in online classes is the same.
In addition to having a PC for broadcasting the lecture, you can use a second PC to make it easier to check how things look to students taking the class online.

②You can use a pointer on your PC

Because most laser pointers will only show up on the screen in the classroom, we do not recommend using them.
Additionally, your PC's cursor may be difficult to see, so we recommend using the pointer function included in the video conference software you are using.

※ For Zoom, choose Comment from the menu bar and then choose Spotlight.

③ Speak in an easy to understand voice

In order to make the audio feed online more stable, make sure to use earphones with a mic attachment.
Make sure to test your microphone before class starts and adjust the volume from your PC.
Make sure to turn your mic off in the classroom in order to prevent howling effects online.
We suggest using either an earphone in online one ear or open earphones (that allow you to hear noises in your surroundings) so that you can hear students both in class and online.

④ Record and broadcast your class

You can record and broadcast your class for students who prefer On-Demand classes, students who couldn't enter the classroom, and students who had internet problems, or for students who couldn't take the class in real time for whatever reason.
These recordings can also be used for a wide-range of purposes, such as for next year's class, for preparatory materials, or for other ways.

An Example for a HyFlex Class (Using Zoom)

In cases where there is a comparatively large number of students and the lecturer must use a mic in the classroom, it may become necessary to deal with "howling" issues either in the class or online. It is thus imperative that you test your mic beforehand and prepare in advance for such possibilities.

＜References＞

Columbia University（2020）Hybrid/HyFlex Teaching & Learning
https://ctl.columbia.edu/resources-and-technology/teaching-with-technology/teaching-online/hyflex/

Ida Mirzaie and Henry Griffy（2016）One Size Doesn't Fit All: HyFlex Lets Students Choose ，Educause Review
https://er.educause.edu/articles/2016/4/one-size-doesnt-fit-all-hyflex-lets-students-choose

Gauging Learning Progress and Evaluation

In the following link, we provide advice about getting questions and feedback from students as well as how to use assignments and quizzes to gauge student learning progress.