Definitions and Principles
HyFlex is new to most institutions, so it is useful to understand some definitions and the principles behind it.
WHat is Hyflex?
"HyFlex" is a newer mode of teaching that combines elements of In-person, Online, and Remote courses.
Why is it called "HyFlex"?
"HyFlex" is a portmanteau that combines the words "Hybrid" and "Flexibility." It seeks to offer students more flexibility than traditional Hybrid courses, which usually consist of one day in person and one day online per week.
How does it work?
The instructor sets up the course so that there are options for students to participate in the classroom with the instructor, synchronously through video from a remote location, or asynchronously online.
The asynchronous online component might include discussion boards to replace live discussion, online quizzes to replace Zoom polls, and recorded faculty lectures to replace live lectures.
Every student can then make the decision whether they want to be in the classroom or Zoom in during class time, or complete the online components instead, on their own time.
What are the benefits for students?
With more flexibility, students are more likely to find a way to participate, even when they face challenges:
With an In-Person-only class, a student can't attend if they are sick (or have a sick child).
In a HyFlex class, they could Zoom in or complete the work online during their own time.
With a Remote-only class, a student can't attend if they have spotty internet or lose power during class time.
In a HyFlex class, they could attend class in person or complete the online work when their internet or power is working.
With an Online-only class, a student doesn't have the opportunity to interact in real time with the instructor or classmates.
In a HyFlex class, a student who usually works online could Zoom in or go to class in person.
What are the benefits for the institution?
The institution should get more efficient enrollment; instead of 8 students each in an In-Person, Remote, and Online section, 24 students could all take the HyFlex section.
With better participation and flexibility for the students, there should be better retention and success rates.
Gaining recognition as an institution with more flexible options may encourage more students to enroll there instead of with a less-flexible competitor.
When do students decide which mode to use?
This varies from institution to institution:
With true HyFlex the way it was originally designed, students are allowed to make the decision on the fly, every day. They might choose to attend Monday's class in person, Wednesday's class remotely from their home, and complete Friday's work online over the weekend. This allows them to adapt their participation to what is happening in their lives.
Some institutions require students to inform their professor of which mode they are doing for each class day (or just when they switch modes), but most institutions don't.
In order to help instructors keep better track of their students, some institutions only let students switch modes once a week or every few weeks. This doesn't allow for students to adapt to last-minute challenges, like a broken-down car or scheduling change at work, but it does make organization a bit easier for the instructor.
Due to space constraints or other considerations, some institutions require students to sign up for just one mode and stick to it all semester: In-Person, Remote, or Online. This is the least flexible option and undermines many of the most useful elements of a HyFlex course.