With the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, schools globally have had to shut down and endure unprecedented changes. As K-12 educational institutions look for creative ways to impart lessons, hybrid learning models have risen to the occasion as a viable alternative to build and deliver engaging, informative and relevant learning from a distance, even as they prepare for a potential return to the old familiar classroom settings.

Hybrid learning is a virtual learning environment where a web-based platform uses online content and digital delivery channels to enable transfer of knowledge between teachers and students. Quality hybrid learning programs comprise digital study materials, online activities, and periodic assessments.

Scope

It was during the nationwide lockdown that hybrid learning models were first adopted to ensure that students' education doesn't get hampered. Once schools transitioned from all-remote instructional methods to a blend of virtual and offline classes, teachers were able to take classes both online and in-person. As an outcome, the hybrid learning model is now supplementing various solutions meant for student access.

A tech-enabled classroom needs multiple partners who would work in tandem to create an effective blended learning environment. It entails different categories of users who have different sets of expectations. Students need to find all resources, instructions and guidelines collated on one platform and be able to reach out to their instructors in case they have any doubts. Similarly, teachers need a virtual platform where they can see and interact with their students, share their notes and other study materials with them, and assess student performance. 

The tech staff needs an online platform that is easy to operate and can run smoothly once set up. The school administration needs visibility and flexibility to check the schedules and collect student fees. Even parents need the online platforms to be seamless so that they can monitor and keep a track on their ward's learning process along with paying their dues.

Hybrid learning in K-12 is projected to witness immense growth in the forthcoming times due to the multiple benefits it offers such as ease of implementation and no geographical limitations.

Since teachers can access data from anywhere, they can instruct students more efficaciously with mundane tasks taken up by machines, such as grading and assessments. Hybrid learning also presents opportunities to teachers to re-skill and upskill themselves so that they become adept at handling tech.

Hybrid learning will also generate more employment as there will be a surge in demand for skilled teachers and administrative staff within the education industry. In addition, K-12 students will be exposed to high-quality learning coupled with global exposure.

This form of learning has a lot of potential to enhance creativity and provide personalised lessons which in turn will make learning more meaningful for young students. Teachers will have to consider which kinds of activities would be best suited to online learning as against in-person learning in a hybrid setup.

Content delivery can be carried out online, but teachers will have to focus on student skills which they showcase in offline classes, as this aspect cannot be paid attention to in a synchronous lesson with other students in a virtual session.

The present times call for more bold education regimes that are agile and adaptive to the newage technologies. As educators and institutions make the necessary adjustments and requisite investments, they can use this challenging time as a favourable opportunity to build a better education system for tomorrow.

The writer is Yogesh Makkar, founder, Kapdec