Hybrid Learning: the future of Education

The concept of hybrid learning that exists since the past decade, only gained its spotlight last year due to the unprecedented global crisis brought on by the pandemic. It would have been a far-fetched idea for teachers and students to continue schooling on online platforms a few years back. Although despite the restrictions followed by the COVID-19 pandemic, education continued with major adjustments and reforms, fully dependant on technology. It forced institutions to test different online learning models and approaches and evaluate what seemed most effective.

Hybrid learning is one such approach. 

What is Hybrid Learning?

It is an approach to teaching and learning which combines face-to-face classroom instructions with online activities. Students receive the classroom experiences; however, it is supported by learning online and through real world activities. Students are able to make meaningful connection with their teachers and classmates, and yet it does not require them to physically attend schools on a regular basis since the majority of study interaction can be completed online. The focus of the online learning proportion is to complement classroom learning which is supplied through lectures, discussions, and activities, bringing flexibility to the learning experience. 

To incorporate hybrid learning, teachers must adjust their content and teaching materials by featuring more active learning assignments such as case studies, self-tests, tutorials, and online group projects, all of which takes place over the internet. Rather than students having to sit in lecture classes taking notes, this method of learning has the potential to be more effective than traditional classroom instruction as student engagement is enhanced widely throughout sessions.

When it comes to hybrid learning, the options are endless. Students are able to focus more on learning as assignments, quizzes and examinations can all be taken online, more time in classroom is spent providing class support and discussion helping students understand the subject material. Students are required to do more work on their own and such kind of active learning results in better overall performance and subject mastery. A hybrid approach also gives control to the students over the time, place, and pace of learning. Such flexibility is often translated to increased participation and attendance in class. 

To increase the scope of personalisation and engagement, hybrid learning approaches can utilise Artificial Intelligence to suit different learning styles, eventually leading to better learning outcomes. The use of technology is eminent where students can improve their computer skills as well as adapt to the evolving technological advancements at school. Through this method, students become self-directed learners, posing responsibility to accomplish the learning outcomes and engage in the curriculum with enthusiasm and curiosity rather than just sitting in class and listening throughout the sessions.  

Hybrid learning in a Maldivian context

Even though online learning methods have been adopted only recently in the Maldives, there is extensive work yet to be done to adapt and harness the modes. Many schools and institutions conducted classes online during the pandemic, though the process was initially rushed and are not implemented to the best form. However, online classes have given new hope to students to gain greater access to education even in remote islands. 

While the approach is fairly new, many instructors who adopted this method report good success with hybrid courses. Students are learning more and more effectively, making easier for more students to gain access to quality education. For a country such as the Maldives with the population dispersed over distant islands, hybrid learning can bridge the gaps between education quality.

In order to design a learning environment that combines both in-person learning and online learning in the Maldivian education context, steps need to be taken to increase the use of technology and overcome the digital divide across the nation that pose a significant barrier to quality education. Teachers should be trained to regularly engage and motivate students to navigate through the challenges of adapting to the new system. With class time being limited in Hybrid learning, teachers must ensure to structure the lessons differently to make it more focused and teach with purpose. 

Through this new system of learning, students during their growth stage will be able to acquire self-directed learning, time management, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, all which is viewed important for self-growth. The National education system has successfully gained access to education throughout the nation, the next order of the day should be to focus mainly on building on that access and delivering more quality and better learning experiences to students.