Keynote Presentation

"HyFlex Teaching and Learning: From Pandemic Survival to Moving Ahead Strategically" - Dr. Brian Beatty

At Seneca, the HyFlex teaching and learning approach is referred to as "flexible."

As we emerge from the disruptive experiences of the global COVID-19 pandemic of 2020-2022, education systems at all levels are challenged with shaping their “new normal” to meet the learning needs of students and societies. Our primary goal remains much the same: to provide meaningful access to high-quality and equitable learning opportunities to all those we are meant to serve. Meeting this goal, however, requires different approaches, since we are more aware now that many learners need flexible access to instruction and we are better able to meet this need with HyFlex courses and programs.

We’ve also seen that education systems need the ability to quickly adapt their delivery to meet emergent situations that may restrict access to in-person instruction, such as regional environmental events, local service disruptions, and even new public health concerns. Since 2006, HyFlex courses and programs have provided classroom and online learning opportunities, allowing students to choose their participation mode for each class session.

In this interactive presentation, we'll: 1) briefly define and explore the HyFlex teaching and learning approach, and the problems it helps solve, 2) describe ways that institutions (faculty and designers) have created accessible, equitable, and high-quality learning for all students, regardless of participation mode, and 3) review current and potential challenges in HyFlex learning environments associated with assessment, engaging learners in all modes, and ensuring an equitable and inclusive community of learning.