What Is Hybrid Learning? How will the Hybrid Learning Model Enhance the Education System in the Future?

Socio-economic instability, health hazards, changing educational trends, industry demands, etc. are some vital issues the educational sector deals with. Besides, they mold their policies and organizational structure based on these factors, enabling them to function accordingly. Although the global disease outbreak brought forth a series of challenges, schools and colleges managed the situation effectively.

Online classes were the ideal solution in that scenario, and the medium of online learning gained much-needed respect and stature. Therefore, schools and colleges did not eliminate it entirely, even when they opened up; hybrid learning was a common approach practiced by many institutes. Furthermore, this approach enabled students to opt for either remote learning and a traditional in-person educational system.

What is Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning is an educational approach wherein a particular institute incorporates virtual and in-person learning. Moreover, it is a modern technique that facilitates flexibility for students; they can balance online classes and in-person campus classes as per their learning needs and schedules.

Also, it is noteworthy that students often have a hard time handling multiple projects, upcoming examinations and personal commitments. The pressure is overwhelming for a student who continues their higher studies and jobs simultaneously; they usually receive criticism if they fail to deliver work or assignment within a stipulated time.

That is why the hybrid learning system is immensely beneficial for all students alike; it provides a systematic structure, helping them fulfill their academic and career-related commitments effectively. Plus, learners get the advantage of studying at their pace, helping to improve student learning.

5 Reasons How Will The Hybrid Learning Model Enhance The Education System In The Future

1. Flexible Learning

‘’Students must have at least 80 to 90 per cent attendance in an academic year’’- this is one of the essential rules that instructors often remind at the session’s start. However, despite the warning, all students can hardly follow the rule; some of them have additional responsibilities, while others struggle to attend all classes as they are busy with some assignments.

Hence, hybrid learning is a boon for them as it helps them be flexible with their choices; they don’t need to sacrifice one for the other, and it helps them divide time to concentrate on both. So, students who pursue distance learning are well aware of the advantages and are mindful of the pitfalls as well.

The pitfalls or issues of this approach mainly stem from the lack of proper strategy, which results in poor class performance and student dissatisfaction. Therefore, it is pivotal for institutes to implement the system based on a well-structured plan aided by appropriate tools. As a result, they would be able to attain better student management and resolve recurring queries.

2. Diverse Instructional Resources

Traditional in-class system limits teachers to use only a number of techniques to teach students. But with the modern approach, they have the liberty to choose different solutions and mechanisms. For instance, they can use multimedia like audio and video tools to explain specific topics elaborately.

They can combine lectures with graphic or video presentations which will enhance the overall learning experience and help to get a better understanding. Furthermore, Gartner (a leading technology consulting firm) points out that the majority of teachers (57%), principals (65%), and administrators (73%) think that digital tools help to improve instructional methods.

However, the students reap the most benefits of digitalization of education because it gives them access to many resources. As a result, they can gather knowledge not just from books but also from other platforms and keep themselves updated.

3. Independent Learning

The construct of the traditional education system dictates students follow the predetermined method of completing an assignment; teachers would assign them a project, and they would complete it with the help of text materials. Also, teachers provide necessary guidance and reliance on class notes to study for an exam is also an integral part.

So, when students fail to be present in class, they struggle to keep up with the lessons; hence asking for notes from classmates is their only option. Meanwhile, they might share important information regarding the same or fail to guide accurately. On the contrary, the hybrid learning system eliminates any chances for such issues to occur and caters to effective learning management.

Firstly, with this approach, they will be able to keep track of the ongoing developments in the class without even going to the institute. Secondly, the system allows teachers to establish an independent learning environment; for a particular project, students would need to do elaborate research and analysis. Although teachers would provide timely directions, students would be accountable for doing the heavy lifting, therefore encouraging independent learning.

4. Time Management

Imagine working on a project till late at night and waking up the next morning to find that you are late for an office meeting. Regardless of the multiple priorities, people at the workplace and college/institute expect one to complete the given tasks. No matter how efficient one might be, managing work and academic stress is difficult without a proper plan.

Moreover, hybrid learning encourages learners to create a schedule that incorporates academics and other duties. For instance, students are well aware of the last-minute rush and prefer not to go through a nightmarish struggle to finish something within the last few days or weeks.

So, naturally, they create a routine that helps them keep track of their academic progress; for example, they can identify which parts of projects are still incomplete, and which ones have been completed. Alongside, they can concentrate on their work and not get distracted or worry about overdue assignment-related tasks.

5. Improved Interaction

One of the key issues that often come up in relation to online classes is the lack of interaction; a digitized education platform does not guarantee the same communication quality as the in-person system. However, over the years, that has changed; the evolution of education technology helps to facilitate smooth communication.

For instance, discussion boards are a common part of hybrid learning that helps students to participate in productive discussions, contributing to learning outcomes.