Hybrid Learning Challenges

The world of education is on a path to establishing a hybrid model as its ultimate expression.

The traditional physical classroom is evolving and growing in new directions. Hybrid learning models that combine the physical with the virtual have proven to provide greater access for students and better outcomes overall.

Several factors have contributed to the growth of remote learning as a component of hybrid, such as COVID spikes, reaching students in remote locations, variability in transportation options, and even the greater freedom in work schedules over the past few years.

Join us for an in-depth examination of the 4 biggest challenges associated with hybrid learning, as well as ways that students and educators can work together to solve them.

1. Mid-lesson technological issues

The first and most obvious challenge is that of technology itself.

• “Sorry, my wifi is acting up today.”
• “Can you see my screen?”
• “You’re on mute!”

 These phrases have become about as commonplace as “How was your weekend?”

All jokes aside, an unstable or slow internet connection, low battery, a faulty camera or microphone, or any number of technical difficulties can seriously stand in the way of a student’s ability to learn and communicate with fellow students and teachers.

In the big picture, lack of access to adequate technology has been a huge obstacle across the country, related closely to the range of economic circumstances facing some students. This has had an outsized impact on the technology available to some students or even whole districts.

No matter what the reason, whenever teachers run into technical difficulties, it cuts into valuable time that should be spent on lessons, hindering the progress of the entire class. Troubleshooting in the middle of a lesson can quickly turn into a stressful scenario when instructors aren’t equipped to immediately solve issues with the technology at hand. Find out how with help from our exclusive Screen Skills Gurus.

The Solution: Screen Skills Gurus

Educators can combat technical difficulties through tech training, learning valuable tools to deal with commonplace issues, while also walking students through any technological challenges they may face during class.

Recording lessons, presentations and lectures can also be a huge help so that students can revisit anything they may have missed when dealing with tech issues that cut into class time. Though easier said than done, obtaining reliable technology is key to providing a standardized learning experience for students regardless of whether they are remote or in the classroom. Administrators should consider adequate educational technology as a worthy investment to ensure that students have equal access to their education, while mitigating tech problems across the board.

2. Wandering Young Minds

One of the biggest struggles students face in a hybrid learning environment is taking on the responsibility for their own education. Remote learning requires a significant amount of self-motivation, time management, and continued focus amid distractions students wouldn’t typically experience in a physical classroom.

Teachers are not able to keep as close an eye on students virtually as they would in the classroom either. It becomes more difficult to maintain control of a class from behind a screen, empowering them to stay focused and learn.

Lack of focus, motivation, and increased distractions can cause students to fall behind in their work and not take it as seriously as they would in a traditional classroom structure.

Solution: Engage Them with Interactive Lessons

To nip distractions in the bud, teachers can fine-tune their eye for detail, taking extra care to recognize signs of disengagement, such as lack of participation in discussions, side activity and wandering eyes. Educators can circulate time management apps among students, as well integrate more class discussions and quizzes, bolstered by EdTech tools in order to make lessons even more captivating. Learn more about the engaging Touchscreen TL6.

3. Static in the Communications Channel

When learning in a virtual setting, there are gaps in communication between students and teachers, as well as students and their peers. It may not seem like an obvious issue, as technology enables us to talk, send messages, share files, and even our screens.

However, every time a communication changes mediums, spanning air waves and pixels, it essentially becomes a game of telephone — intentions and expectations are oftentimes lost in translation. Lack of clear body language and difficulty reading facial expressions can make it difficult for instructors to recognize when a particular student may be lost or need extra time.

When confusion arises and they don’t speak up, students can easily be left behind while the teacher’s pace remains the same.

Solution:  Recorded and Easy-Share Lessons

Setting clear parameters for assignments, both written and verbal can help limit confusion, as well as recording and uploading lessons so that students can revisit course material at will. Opening and encouraging multiple lines of communication between students and instructors allows students to request help in the way they feel most comfortable.

If a teacher asks if there are any questions during class, they should encourage students to message or call during office hours and remain available over email as well. Leveraging video conferencing software to facilitate both group discussions and one-to-one check-ins are great ways to stay consistent in communicating with students individually, making sure that everyone is on the same page. Learn more about OneScreen EShare.

4. Isolation Online

Despite the creature comforts of at-home learning, a lack of social interaction can take its toll. Collaborating with peers, forming connections with teachers, or even socializing with friends is much more difficult when tuning in virtually from your room or kitchen table.

The disconnect that occurs can negatively impact students’ communication skills, self-confidence, and ability to collaborate with others. Though students are more accustomed to socializing virtually than ever before, it does not replace the importance of in-person camaraderie and verbal communication.

Solution: Simple Collaboration

One of the most effective ways to cultivate connectivity among hybrid students, whether remote or in-person, is the use of EdTech. Tools such as smart screens foster collaboration and dynamic communication among students through screen share, real-time annotations and class-wide participation. It allows for activities that bring the entire group together in a fun, captivating way, while enabling students to think and problem solve together.

Students also benefit from group discussions that encourage open dialogue, communication and boost a sense of community, meanwhile engaging interpersonal and public speaking skills. Providing verbal feedback on student work is another way to connect with students virtually, as well as organizing peer reviews where students can engage with each other, share ideas, and learn from their classmates.

Navigating the ins and outs of a hybrid learning environment can be tricky, and understandably so. As a relatively new structure, both students and teachers are still trying to work out the kinks and understand what works best for them individually, and as a community. In order to succeed, preparation is key. Get all the details on essential EdTech with OneScreen Hubware.

All Solutions  in One Place

Thinking several steps ahead equips educators with the toolkit they need to prevent problems before they emerge and tackle whatever challenges may come their way. Understanding the pros and cons of hybrid learning helps educators to optimize the system they have and establish the best learning environment for each and every student. 

Sources:

5 Challenges Students Face with Online Learning and How to Overcome Them. (2021, November 1). Meratas Inc. https://meratas.com/blog/5-challenges-students-face-with-remote-learning/

Fox, A. (2021, May 12). What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages That Distance Education Can Offer You? eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-distance-education-offer

Langston, A. (2020, September 15). 4 Challenges of Hybrid Learning (and How to Overcome Them). myViewBoard Blog. https://myviewboard.com/blog/education/4-challenges-of-hybrid-learning-and-how-to-overcome-them/

Prout, T. (2021, November 23). Challenges of Distance Learning for Students. National University. https://www.nu.edu/resources/challenges-of-distance-learning-for-students/#:%7E:text=Lack