Befriending the Hybrid Learning Model

We are all learning something new in the face of a crisis and are trying our best to not let it interrupt our way of life. However, as one may be aware, dodging hurdles often involves accepting the change and developing creative solutions. Currently, in the world of education, this solution is by befriending the hybrid learning model. A digital whiteboard with an interactive panel can help ease this journey from a traditional to a hybrid model of teaching. An interactive whiteboard is a smart classroom solution that is loaded with features that allow teachers to make their online sessions just as engaging as in-person ones. But before we explore how to ease the journey of transitioning into a hybrid model of learning, it is important to know what is hybrid learning. 

What is Hybrid Learning?    

In simple words, hybrid is a combination of online and in-person learning. It is often confused with ‘blended learning’ however, although the two concepts appear similar, there is a subtle yet important difference between the two. 

In a blended learning approach, online learning complements the teachings of an in-person classroom session by enriching it with additional resources such as videos, images, articles, etc. Contrarily, in a hybrid learning model, the online learning experience is meant to replace the elements of an in-person class.  The study material designed for an online class in a hybrid model acts as an alternative to in-person material to introduce flexibility in the learning experience. 

Owing to its unique range of features, a smart board is an important element in the toolkit of hybrid as well as in-person learning. The reasonable smart board price in India makes it easy for teachers to invest in the device for a wholesome teaching and learning experience. 

Benefits of Hybrid Learning 

While there are several benefits of a hybrid learning model, here are the three most important ones:-

• Maintains Social Distancing 

One of the main reasons for using the hybrid learning model is because it controls the number of students crowding the classroom. Considering the current scenario where we are attempting to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, this is one of the best ways to maintain social distancing without letting it interrupt education. 

• Is a Flexible Solution

Another important benefit is the incomparable flexibility of a hybrid learning model that offers the best of both worlds.  Although the face-to-face requirement still dictates certain time and hours, teachers can share recorded sessions with the students using an interactive whiteboard so that students from all walks of life can attend school while tending to their responsibilities. This is especially beneficial for working professionals. 

• Highly Affordable

Additionally, because you need not always be present physically in the classroom, students save up on the costs of commute and accommodation. The hybrid learning model is a pocket-friendly solution for those who want to pursue their degree online from international universities from their homes.

 In an online class, a digital board for teaching can help students understand the concepts in greater detail. This is because the unique interactive panel of the digital whiteboard designed by Senses Electronics is laden with state-of-the-art features such as screen recording, multi-language recognition, multi-finger gesture control, and much more. These features make it easy for teachers to explain disciplines such as math, physics, chemistry, etc. with utmost ease. The wide viewing angle of the smart board with a bright LED display ensures that every student whether sitting in an online or an in-person classroom can see clearly what is going on in the class.       

Dos and Don’ts of Hybrid Learning – A Teacher’s Guide

Now that the benefits have been outlined, the next pressing concern by teachers is how to prepare for this change. Technology is often feared by teachers who have largely relied on traditional teaching methods. However, once they acquaint themselves with the ease of using an interactive board, they will continue to love it. Here are some ways in which teachers can adapt to hybrid learning:-

• Diversified Approach

A crucial thing to acknowledge is that a lot of things change when the mode of teaching changes. Teachers will have to bear in mind that when they take online sessions, they will have to find different ways to engage their students online and some other ways to do the same offline. For instance, in an offline class, teachers will have to engage the students in face-to-face interactive discussions, supervise students in science labs, etc. Contrarily, for online classes, they will have to record sessions on their smart board to share with students, provide independent worksheets, and design a format where students can learn at their own pace. 

• Plan Ahead

As we are new to this learning approach, teachers should ideally plan for the upcoming classes at least a week or two ahead. Leave room for interruptions and improvisations and segregate the strategies to engage and involve students in online and in-person sessions. A digital whiteboard with an interactive panel can help you schedule sessions for better classroom management.  

• Engage with the Students 

This can seem like one of the most challenging things to do because of the physical distance, but making time and getting to know your students is just as important as delivering an educational session. For online classes, you can send a questionnaire to students for them to fill out their likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, etc. An interactive whiteboard with an auto-email feature can ease this for teachers. 

To conclude, a hybrid learning model can seem overwhelming in the beginning, however, a digital board for teaching is a smart classroom solution promising a seamless transition for teachers and students. Our interactive board is designed to assist you in these times so that you look back to school memories as fondly as you always have. You can check the digital board price on our website and also book a demo session to know more.