Hybrid classes are the biggest trend in education now. In a hybrid class, students complete part of their coursework in person and use virtual learning for the rest. In most schools, hybrid classes happen about 25-50% on campus, with the rest taking place in a distance learning format. In some hybrid classes, students meet once per week for live lessons or on alternative days. Let’s survey the advantages and disadvantages of this system.
Pros of hybrid classes
COVID-19 has paved the way for many new trends in education, hydrid learning being one of them. Here are the merits of this evolving learning mode.
More collaborative: Students and teachers are able to stay connected with each other continuously via online and offline sessions
Facilitates instantaneous communication: Online communication tools ensure that students don’t wait till the next meeting
Offers flexibility: Teachers and students can work at their own pace
Ensures Individual attention: Blended learning environments mean more one-to-one interaction
Facilitates interactive educational experience: The mix of technology and in-person learning makes it the most interactive experience possible
Makes better student tracking possible: Teachers can review each individual’s time spent on a task in class, gather meaningful insights from student data generated on online apps and combine it for better student tracking
Enhances computer literacy skills: Students are future-ready, but they also have good interpersonal skills
Cons of hybrid learning
While the advantages of hybrid learning cannot be overlooked, there is no denying that it comes with a few disadvantages too.
Huge technological dependence: everyone is heavily dependent on the internet, apps available and computers or smart phones
High costs involved: Not all can afford so many devices and a good internet connection
IT literacy: Lack of basic understanding of online tools and technologies is a significant barrier for teachers
Confusing for students: blended learning is a new world of learning for students and they might take some time to accept it.
Digital overload: Using smart devices constantly are causing much physical and emotional ill health. Also, not all digital resources are authentic and age-appropriate. Once students get access to the web and start using it regularly, they might get fascinated by unsuitable things without adequate knowledge of internet safety.
Lack of supervision: Teachers and parents are losing track of the student’s actual progress as unsupervised study time is increasing in the name of flexibility