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As many of us wrap up the fall academic term and begin to turn toward winter holidays and year-end reflections, it's a fitting moment to pause and take stock. Across the HyFlex Learning Community, we’ve seen another season of creative adaptation, flexible design, and meaningful learner engagement. Whether you're in a region bracing for winter or enjoying warmer summer days, the close of a calendar year offers a natural point for review, gratitude, and renewed intention.
One theme that has grown steadily louder in 2025 is the role of AI, particularly GenAI, in our educational practice at all levels. The rapid development and integration of these tools continue to influence and in some ways reshape the way we design, teach, and evaluate learning across all modalities. From student-facing tools that personalize learning experiences, to back-end systems that support planning and feedback, GenAI is no longer an edge topic. It’s becoming a core part of the learning ecosystem.
This growth invites both opportunity and challenge. How do we ensure responsible use of AI in ways that uphold academic integrity, equity, and learner agency? How do we evaluate the real impact of AI-enhanced HyFlex learning on engagement, access, and success? And how do we, as a global professional community, continue to lead the thoughtful evolution of flexible learning in a tech-rich world?
These are questions we’ll explore more deeply at the upcoming 4th Annual HyFlex Collaborative Conference (HCC 26), where “AI and Emerging Technologies in Flexible Learning” will take center stage. If you're considering sharing your work, challenges, or questions with the community, don’t forget: the Call for Proposals is now open! (See link below.)
In this issue, you’ll also find curated insights from recent implementations, access to evaluation planning resources (in our upcoming gathering/webinar), and opportunities to connect with peers around the world. As always, we thank you for your work, your willingness to share, and your commitment to building flexible, inclusive, and effective learning environments.
Here’s to closing 2025 strong—and stepping into 2026 with purpose and possibility.
Upcoming Events:
1. HLC Gathering (webinar)
Next Community Gathering – October 31, 2025:
In our next webinar on December 11, we’ll finish our 2025 Gathering Series, GenAI to Support HyFlex Course and Program Design. The fifth and final session will explore and demonstrate the last custom GPT for HyFlex Design, HyFlex Planning for Impact Evaluation (freely available in the OpenAI GPT Store). This GPT helps faculty and instructional designers move beyond intuition by generating a clear, practical plan for understanding the impact of HyFlex design decisions. How do we assess learning outcomes across modes? What indicators can help us understand engagement, access, equity, or modality choice? How can we collect meaningful evidence without adding excessive workload? During the webinar, we will demonstrate how the GPT supports evaluation planning and provide participants with direct access. Those with an OpenAI ChatGPT account (free or paid) will be able to experiment with the GPT as we discuss strategies for gathering and interpreting evidence of HyFlex effectiveness across learning modes. Please join us on December 11 as we wrap up this year’s series with a focus on planning in support of documenting and understanding HyFlex impact at the course or program level.
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hyflex-learning-community-gathering-december-2025-registration-1976965887187
You can review this webinar after our gathering on December 11, along with all the other Gatherings on the Gathering Archives page.
2. 4th Annual HyFlex Collaborative Conference scheduled for June 25, 2026 - Call for Proposals and Registration Now Available
The HyFlex Collaborative is pleased to welcome educators, researchers, and learning professionals from around the world to the 4th Annual HyFlex Collaborative Conference (HCC 26)! This year’s theme, “Reenvisioning HyFlex through AI and Other Emerging Technologies,” invites us to look ahead at how tools such as artificial intelligence, extended reality, and adaptive learning systems are reshaping the future of hybrid-flexible education.
Throughout the program, participants will explore practical ways emerging technologies are enhancing HyFlex teaching and learning—from AI-driven feedback and adaptive assessment systems to immersive XR environments and GenAI-powered course design. These innovations reflect the enduring HyFlex values of student choice, equivalency, and accessibility, helping educators connect in-person, online, and asynchronous learners more effectively than ever.
The HyFlex Collaborative community remains dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, equitable learning for all. HCC 26 continues that mission by creating space for collaboration, reflection, and shared discovery—whether you’re an experienced HyFlex practitioner or just beginning your journey. Together, we’re exploring how technology can extend the reach and impact of HyFlex design across disciplines, institutions, and borders.
The Call for Proposals has just been released: https://aatlased.org/hyflex-collaborative/hyflex-call-for-proposals/
To register, and for more information, see: https://aatlased.org/hyflex-collaborative/hyflex-collaborative-conference-2026/
HyFlex in the News:
1. Dickinson State University and North Dakota State University Leverage HyFlex to Create Statewide Doctor of Pharmacy Program
Read more here.
2. University of Dubuque Redesigns LIFE Adult Degree Program in a HyFlex Format
Read more here.
3. Manchester Metropolitan University Business School Launches HyFlex MBA in One Year (AACSB)
Read more here.
4. Unlocking the True Potential of HyFlex Learning at the University of Leicester
Read more here.
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