Canvas is the exclusive LMS (Learning Management System) for the UH main campus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Instructional guides:
Out NSM Instructional Technologies Team can assist you as you design your HyFlex course! Schedule a consultation with us.