Which Approach is Best for You— Hybrid Learning or Hyflex Learning?

During the pandemic, hybridism became a hot topic of discussion, both for hybrid working and hybrid learning. There are many people who are confused between hybrid learning and hyflex learning, and the differences between the two models. In this article, we will explain the definition of hybrid learning and hyflex learning, as well as evaluate which approach is better for you.

The "hyflex" in hyflex learning consists of hybrid and flexible, which you can interpret as a hybrid course that mixes online and live participation modes and gives students a more flexible learning experience. Hyflex learning is a type of education. Hybrid learning is a model of education where some students are in the classroom, some are at home, and the teacher is teaching the students in the hybrid classroom at the same time via video conferencing device.

Differences between hybrid learning and hyflex learning

1.A Hybrid includes face-to-face learning and online distance learning. hyflex combines hybrid and flexibility.

2.In a hybrid class, the class format is determined by the instructor and applied to all students. Hyflex is primarily a student decision, allowing students to choose how they want to be taught, giving them maximum choice.

3.In the hybrid model, all students are engaged in the same instructional content. In the hyflex model, students are engaged in different patterns of instructional activities, but the learning outcomes are the same.

4.In the hybrid model, students do not have to go to the teacher as often. In the hyflex mode, artifacts from learning activities in each mode are captured and can be reused in other modes.

5.Hybrid requires students to facilitate deeper learning through instructional activities. Hyflex requires students to have equal access to the technology resources and skills of all participating models.

Which is suitable for you? Hybrid or hyflex learning?

The choice between hybrid learning and hyflex learning really depends largely on what instructional goals you want to achieve. We will analyze the different teaching objectives to assess which model is most suitable for you.

1.More adaptable learning opportunities for students

Hybrid learning can provide courses for students who are unable to attend classrooms, allowing students at home to take enrolled courses online. However, the format is entirely up to the teacher, and students have little choice in how they take the course. Hybrid learning offers students more options for learning, and students have more freedom to choose a class format that fits their schedule and preferences.All assignments will be completed online. However, this model is more beneficial for those who are good at balancing learning and life, as it can lead to a lack of student belonging and engagement in physical classes. Overall, hyflex learning is better suited to allowing students to learn with more flexibility.

2.Understand students' learning progress

In hybrid learning mode, teachers and students can communicate with each other at any time and get instant feedback on their learning. No matter where the student is, the teacher can communicate with him/her through face-to-face or video conferencing software. The teacher has a clear picture of the student's current learning progress and the issues that need improvement. In the HyFlex learning model, while the teacher is able to provide the same learning experience for students on-site and online, not all teaching activities receive the same response, such as discussions and presentations, where the atmosphere is not comparable to that of a website. If a HyFlex course is not carefully designed and organized, it has the potential to turn students in online classes into passive bystanders. Therefore, hybrid learning is relatively more suitable for tracking students' progress.

3.Equal learning opportunities for all students

Hybrid learning allows for an equal learning experience for both students with the teacher and those listening online, as the teaches the same course content.The only drawback is that schools and learners need to invest in some of the necessary distance learning equipment. In the hyFlex learning model, students have more autonomy, but if the school fails to integrate the course content and learning model, it can result in students not getting equal opportunities to interact with the content and learn. For example, online students cannot hear the teacher's voice, course materials fail, etc. Therefore, hybrid learning is more likely to give students equal access to learning opportunities than hyflex learning.