- Hybrid learning is the combination of online and classroom learning. How has this become a thing and why it benefits students today.
Before the pandemic, students were expected to attend class in person. Online learning wasn’t common yet. Then, during the pandemic, students and teachers could no longer share a common room. Hence, online learning tools started to emerge to overcome this restriction. Online learning was the only way students could continue learning without disrupting their academics. Now, post-pandemic, schools seem to have found a balance between online and classroom learning, also known as Hybrid Learning.
Now that students and teachers have experienced both ends of the spectrum, giving everyone a broad perspective of which reaps the most benefit. It is safe to conclude that hybrid learning brings the best outcomes as it offers the best of both worlds.
Let’s discuss why that is the case and how it benefits students today.
Key benefits of hybrid learning
1 – Better engagement
Hybrid learning offers flexibility in students’ learning. Students can choose to learn remotely or in a classroom setting. Having hybrid learning is truly a privilege, as it opens the door to different opportunities for students. For instance, students can choose to learn from home when they are short on time. Commute time could be better spent on more productive things. Especially during exam season, saving pockets of time to study can relieve students’ stress and increase productivity.
On the other hand, when they feel learning could be unproductive at home, they can opt to attend classes in person. Being in a classroom setting helps students to be more focused during the learning session. In addition, being in a classroom setting allows for easier communication with the teacher. Students can clear doubts and questions immediately in class. Being face-to-face also builds students’ emotional skills through collaborative work and discussion.
Overall, allowing students to have the option to choose allows them to make informed choices for their learning. This way, students can identify which mode of learning is the best for them at a given time and circumstance. This will boost students’ confidence by creating a safe environment for learning and improving their overall engagement in learning.
On top of that, having the option to choose and empowering them to make a choice boosts their critical thinking and time management skills. This way, students take charge of their learning, and they have to become responsible and smart with their choices. Being able to take charge boosts confidence and keeps students engaged and interested in their learning.
2 – Accessibility to resources for hybrid learning
Learning online means having a plethora of resources, so many that a student is spoilt for choice. In the past, our only learning resources came from assessment books, past year papers and textbooks. Now, with hybrid learning, we can incorporate online resources into our traditional classroom settings and practice them everywhere and anywhere. The amount of resources that are online now for different curricula, languages, and subjects is too much to sift through as a student. Hence, having face-to-face learning options and teachers who are aligned with the syllabus of subjects can help with the overwhelming pool of resources. Classroom teachers are also making use of online resources to enhance and improve their teaching. This accessibility to resources is a game-changer for modern-day students, as resources and knowledge are limitless now. Both students and teachers are using it to benefit students’ learning.
Over at Tutopiya, we have in-house curated resources as well as tapping into online resources to aid the teaching of our tutors. Our curriculum-specialised tutors are constantly aligned and updated with the syllabi and chapters, which takes out the guesswork for which online resource would be beneficial for your learning. Tutopiya does everything from resource planning, scheduling and progress tracking for you, so all you focus on is showing up and learning.
3 – Personalised learning pace with hybrid learning
The traditional classroom learning structure is rigid and can hardly change due to the large class size. In schools, a class can range from 20 to 30 students, each individual on their learning journey. Every student learns uniquely and at a different pace, which is no doubt why in the past, a traditional classroom learning setting was not it for every child. However, with the incorporation of online learning, students can now supplement their learning with extra classes online and practice with more resources at their own time.
Through the availability of resources and learning options, students can easily keep up with the pace or even study ahead to prepare themselves. Thanks to online learning, students have more exposure to different types of learning resources. Every student is unique, and so are their learning needs. Some students may learn better with visual cues; then, resources with more images or even watching YouTube videos would benefit them greatly. For others who learn better with audio cues, there are online explanations or podcasts on the topic that they could listen to. The opportunity to learn and improve has broadened more than ever since hybrid learning became a thing.
4 – Hybrid learning equips students with digital literacy skills
With the ever-increasing and improving technology society, younger children are taught to be proficient in technology as they grow up being surrounded by it. Digital literacy is now a necessity in modern-day children’s lives. Exposing children and students to digital technology at a young age will set them up for success in the future, as these skills are highly transferable and prepare them for future endeavours. Hence, the hybrid learning model can help kick-start students’ digital literacy skills and benefit them as they progress.
In conclusion
The pandemic, along with our ability to adapt, led to the rise of hybrid learning. Today, it’s one of the most effective learning structures in education.
At Tutopiya, we offer online learning to add to your child’s existing traditional classroom learning setting. We offer over 20 curricula, and you will be sure to find your child’s learning syllabus with us. Our team of subject and curriculum specialists have curated our very own in-house resources. Our resources align perfectly with your desired curricula, such as the IB, IGCSEs, Singapore GCE O and A Levels and more. Simply look for your curriculum here and find a tutor that meets your needs. We offer first-time sign-ups access to our platform features and a trial class with any of our tutors.
