FAQ

What questions do you have? It is quite possible that others have asked very similar questions in the past. This list includes many of the questions we answer frequently, with relatively short answers for each. If you don’t find your question, or the answer we provide doesn’t provide enough of an explanation for your situation, please visit the Forum to ask your question to the community. (You’ll need to join the community here in order to view the Forum discussion.)

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Implementation

Category: Implementation
This varies considerably by institution. Some schools have created a new registration code (HyFlex or another name) that reflects the local characteristics of the approach. Sometimes multiple class meeting patterns are used; 1) an assigned time in a room and 2) an indication that the course is available asynchronously. Sometimes class registration systems list two class sections – one online and one in the classroom – and allow students to register for either, then invite students to participate in either mode. The two sections are usually combined in the LMS to support the work of a single faculty teaching both sections.
Category: Implementation

As a teacher, your first tasks are to 1) learn about HyFlex, 2) decide which modes of participation your students need, and if they need the classroom and at least one online mode, then 3) design a course that provides those modes. Step 3 is the most challenging, and most of the information, community discussion, and other services offered on this site are directed toward design and implementation (teaching) using a HyFlex approach.

Student Experience

In most HyFlex classes students do not have to bring their own computing equipment to classes, unless that is clearly explained as a requirement for participation, like a textbook assignment would be. This happens in some disciplines for some classes (like a digital design program, perhaps), but generally not for the class particpation mode, like HyFlex. We find that most students attending class in person have at least one device that can connect to the synchronous environment, and teachers often encourage them to do so, but don’t make it a condition of participation. HyFlex students participating online would need the same techgnologies as any other fully online student: computer with audio (mic) and video (camera) and reliable network access.

Technology

Category: Technology

Basically, you need technology to connect online students to the learning experience and to capture the classroom learning activities (content presentation, interactive discussions, etc.) if you plan to “reuse” those for online students. All students will use the LMS and will need their own technology to connect to the network and use internet applications. Online synchronous students will need audio and video capture capability and viewing/listening technology. In the classroom, you’ll want a camera and microphones to capture the teacher and student voices and interactions for viewing by synchronous students or for later reeview by all. Technology doesn;t have to be complicated, though it can be. A simple solution to start with may be a wise choice. In all cases, try out the planned technology(ies) before you attempt to use them in a real class situation.

In most HyFlex classes students do not have to bring their own computing equipment to classes, unless that is clearly explained as a requirement for participation, like a textbook assignment would be. This happens in some disciplines for some classes (like a digital design program, perhaps), but generally not for the class particpation mode, like HyFlex. We find that most students attending class in person have at least one device that can connect to the synchronous environment, and teachers often encourage them to do so, but don’t make it a condition of participation. HyFlex students participating online would need the same techgnologies as any other fully online student: computer with audio (mic) and video (camera) and reliable network access.

Author

  • Brian Beatty

    Dr. Brian Beatty is Professor of Instructional Design and Technology in the Department of Equity, Leadership Studies and Instructional Technologies at San Francisco State University. At SFSU, Dr. Beatty pioneered the development and evaluation of the HyFlex course design model for blended learning environments, implementing a “student-directed-hybrid” approach to better support student learning.

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