Implementing hybrid flexible (HyFlex) teaching within a multimodal learning environment can be complex but highly rewarding. Here's a breakdown of how to effectively do it:

Understanding the Core Principles:

• Choice and Flexibility: HyFlex emphasizes providing learners with the choice to participate in-person, online synchronously, or asynchronously. It's not about recording a lecture and calling it HyFlex.

• Equivalent Learning Experiences: All modes of participation should offer roughly equivalent learning outcomes, although the experience itself will vary.

• Reusability of Content: Learning materials should be designed for multiple modalities, making them easily adaptable and accessible.

• Learner Agency: Empower learners to choose the mode best suits their needs and preferences.

• Multimodal Learning: The "multimodal" aspect signifies that instruction is designed at one time for all delivery modes (i.e., in-person and remote) and deploys (hide/show) the course content as needed or desired. 

Key Steps for Implementation:

1. Planning and Design:

• Define Learning Outcomes: Clearly articulate what learners should achieve, regardless of their chosen mode.

• Develop a Multimodal Content Strategy:

  • Lectures/Presentations: Consider pre-recording concise lectures, using interactive tools, and incorporating visuals.

  • Discussions: Facilitate online forums, live chats, and in-person discussions. Use collaborative tools for shared document creation.

  • Activities: Design activities that can be adapted for different modalities (e.g., online simulations, in-person group work, individual reflection prompts).

  • Assessments: Develop a range of assessment types, including online quizzes, projects, presentations, and participation grades. Ensure equitable assessment across modalities.

• Technology Infrastructure:

  • Learning Management System (LMS): Choose an LMS that supports synchronous and asynchronous communication, content sharing, and assessment.

  • Video Conferencing Platform: Select a platform with features like screen sharing, breakout rooms, recording, and live transcription.

  • Audio/Visual Equipment: Ensure high-quality audio and video for both in-person and online participants. Consider microphones, cameras that face the audience as well as the instructor, with auto-tracking or framing,  monitors that are programmed to consistently display online participants, interactive whiteboards, and confidence monitors to help the instructor more easily track the online audience.

• Accessibility: Design for inclusivity. Provide captions, transcripts, and alternative formats for all learning materials.

2. Creating the Learning Experience:

• Establish Clear Communication Channels: Clearly communicate expectations, schedules, and technical requirements.

• Facilitate Synchronous Sessions Effectively:

  • Engage both in-person and online learners: Use interactive polls, Q&A sessions, and breakout rooms to foster participation.

  • Monitor online chat and answer questions promptly.

  • Manage technology effectively: Designate a technical assistant if needed.

• Support Asynchronous Learners:

  • Provide clear instructions and deadlines.

  • Offer opportunities for interaction and feedback.

  • Make recordings of synchronous sessions available.

• Build Community: Foster a sense of belonging for all learners, regardless of their mode of participation.

3. Technology and Tools:

• LMS Platforms (e.g., Canvas): Centralized hub for course materials, communication, and assessment. Canvas is the exclusive LMS for the UH main campus. It is used for course materials, communication, and assessments.

• Video Conferencing Tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet): For synchronous sessions, office hours, and group collaborations.

• Interactive Whiteboards (e.g., MS Whiteboard): For collaborative brainstorming and visual presentations.

• Polling and Q&A Tools (e.g., Point Solutions, Top Hat): To engage learners and gather feedback.

• Collaboration Platforms (e.g., Google Workspace, Microsoft 365): For shared document creation and group projects.

• Accessibility Tools (e.g., screen readers, captioning software): To ensure inclusive learning.

4. Ongoing Evaluation and Refinement:

• Gather learner feedback: Use surveys, focus groups, and informal check-ins to understand the learner experience.

• Analyze participation data: Track attendance, online engagement, and assessment results to identify areas for improvement.

• Reflect on your own teaching practices: Identify what worked well and what needs adjustment.

• Stay updated on emerging technologies and best practices: The field of hybrid flexible learning is constantly evolving.

Challenges and Considerations:

• Faculty workload: HyFlex can be more time-consuming to design and implement than traditional teaching. It also requires proficiency with classroom technologies and the availability of classroom technologies. 

• Technical support: Ensure adequate technical support for both faculty and learners.

• Equity and access: Address potential barriers to participation for learners with limited access to technology or internet connectivity.

• Community building: Create a sense of community for all learners, regardless of their chosen mode of participation.

By carefully planning, designing, and implementing HyFlex teaching within a multimodal learning environment, you can create a flexible and engaging learning experience that meets the diverse needs of your learners.

Sources:

• Olson, A., & Wittkopp, R. (2024, April 30). HyFlex and Remote Attendance Options for Graduate Instruction. EDUCAUSE Review. Retrieved from https://er.educause.edu/articles/2024/4/hyflex-and-remote-attendance-options-for-graduate-instruction. 

• Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning (2020). Hybrid/HyFlex Teaching & Learning. Columbia University. Retrieved [today’s date] from https://ctl.columbia.edu/resources-and-technology/teaching-with-technology/teaching-online/hyflex/ 

• Columbia Center for Teaching and Learning (2020). Hybrid/HyFlex Teaching & Learning. Columbia University. Retrieved [today’s date] from https://ctl.columbia.edu/resources-and-technology/teaching-with-technology/teaching-online/hyflex/ 

• DeepSeek-v2.5 (2024) [Large language model] https://arxiv.org/abs/2405.04434