HyFlex Learning

CTLI supports hyflex learning in various ways to enhance learning experiences for students and faculty. As our learning communities find new ways to engage with each other in person and online, we are working behind the scenes with other service departments across campus to minimize disruption and ensure all students enrolled in these environments have equal access to the tools, systems and resources available to them. As Lethbridge College continues to evolve, HyFlex learning is becoming integrated into our programming, professional development, and flexible delivery.

Overview

HyFlex learning presents multiple pathways for learners to connect with their curriculum. HyFlex offers the options of

synchronous face-to-face learning,
synchronous online learning, or
asynchronous online learning

to help educators meet students where they’re at. Learners’ choice of pathway may be affected by illness, childcare considerations, distance to the institution, or preference, among other considerations.

Students can choose to come to campus or attend online and can change their mode of participation based on their current needs. Instructors are available face to face during scheduled class times.

Timeline

Read through the timeline by clicking on each point.

Exploration of HyFlex learning and its potential benefits for Lethbridge College faculty members and students

Initial design and development of HyFlex learning systems

Pilot phase with programs in the Centre for Technology, Environment and Design

Design and development of fixed and mobile HyFlex units, as well as training materials for interested faculty members

Implementation of HyFlex learning at Lethbridge College

Attended HyFlex in Re-Action conference

Presenting at CICan Navigating Anew conference on The Evolution of HyFlex at Lethbridge College
Investigate and pilot new technologies for HyFlex delivery in different classrooms
Explore pedagogical changes to support HyFlex faculty

Designated HyFlex courses will be delivered in specific program areas
Provide professional development opportunities for faculty and staff

Look ahead to HyFlex opportunities for LC faculty, staff, and students, engaging with the entire system

Deliverables

Fixed and mobile classroom HyFlex units
Technology trouble-shooting guides
Online training course for faculty
Evolution of HyFlex learning

Alignments

CTLI Strategic Innovation Model
Lethbridge College Institutional Plan
Lethbridge College Business Development Strategy
Lethbridge College CTLI Strategic Innovation Strategy

The system around hyflex

CTLI – Provides pedagogical support and technical support with the learning management system and classroom audio/visual equipment and resources.
IT – Provides support for the technology infrastructure and systems relating to HyFlex delivery
Faculty – Plans and delivers HyFlex learning opportunities
Students – Choose their HyFlex modality based on need (synchronous, synchronous online, asynchronous)
Registrar – Facilitates registration, scheduling, and transcribing of HyFlex learning experiences for students

Glossary

HyFlex learning – A curriculum delivery model that allows learners the choice of multiple learning pathways (synchronous f2f, synchronous online, and asynchronous online).

Synchronous – Learning that is delivered in a specific place, at a specific time, to all students (e.g., students participate in a live Zoom session from 2 to 3 p.m.). Synchronous delivery provides students with immediate feedback from their teacher and/or fellow learners. Otherwise known as face-to-face.

Synchronous online – Online learning where the instructor and the students in the course engage with the course content and each other at the same time, but from different locations. The instructor interacts with students in real time to hold live classes or meetings.

Asynchronous – Learning that is provided to students and accessed when they choose (e.g., a posted recording of a lecture that students can watch and post a discussion board comment about). Asynchronous delivery allows students to self-pace their learning and access resources and support as needed.

Engagement

We believe that meaningful stakeholder engagement is essential to any good initiative. Below is a list of engaged stakeholders. (Classification based on CTLI engagement framework and IAP2 Public Participation Spectrum)

Inform

Our promise: We will keep you informed about the project and decisions that are made.

Associate Deans’ Council, ITS
Centres for teaching and learning across Alberta
CTLI leaders
Digital Learning Team
Learning Connections
Centre meetings
Learning Innovation website
Through associate dean communications

Consult

Our promise: We will consult with you to ensure your viewpoint is heard and considered when making decisions. We will communicate how this input and feedback influenced the decisions made.

Lethbridge College academic centres
Educational development specialists
Associate Deans’ Council

Involve

Our promise: We will work directly with you to ensure your viewpoints and concerns are reflected in the decisions made.

Faculty
Students
Information Technology Services
Jeff Hamilton (faculty)
Joyce Shigehiro (faculty)
Leanne Jones (faculty)
Cherie Bowker (faculty)
Michelle Derbich (faculty)
Marda Schindeler (associate dean)

Collaborate

Our promise: We will partner directly with you throughout the project and decision-making process. We will create joint solutions or recommendations.

Instructional designers
Learning experience designers
Media specialists
HyFlex learning working group
Gavin Brinsmead (Audio Visual)
Tristan Tuckett (Audio Visual)
Travis Killian (manager, Customer Services and Operations)
Rob Laperle (manager, Enterprise Systems)
Erin Fieguth (associate registrar)

Empower

Our promise: We will abide by the decisions you make.

Lexi Schaerz (interim Digital Learning coordinator)
Trevor Gellrich (learning experience designer)
Audio-Visual team
Deans

Integration and Examples

Micro-credential

In a collaborative effort, CTLI team members have created a course to support HyFlex users across campus. The course focuses on technology and pedagogy and includes video tours, a wealth of resources, and access to necessary supports for using this unique approach to learner engagement.

ITS

ITS enables the HyFlex tools used by students and staff at Lethbridge College through the use of the Internet of Things (IOT) network connecting technology, making it accessible and secure.

ITS offers specific software and hardware for off-campus student and faculty use through Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) to support HyFlex.

Video

Podcasts

References

Barclay, A., Ceccolini, K., Clarke, K., Domonchuk, N., Shapiro, S., Singh, J., Young, M., & Hayman, J. (n.d.). HyFlex course design and teaching strategies.

Beatty, B. (2019). Hybrid-flexible course design. EdTech Books.

Bruff, D. (2020). Active learning in hybrid and physically distanced classrooms. Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching. https://cft.vanderbilt.edu/2020/06/active-learning-in-hybrid-and-socially-distanced-classrooms/

Carleton Teaching and Learning Services. (2021, November 5). HyFlex learning spaces. https://carleton.ca/tls/learning-spaces/hyflex-learning-spaces/

Educause. (2021). Horizon report: Teaching and learning edition. Educause Publications. https://library.educause.edu/resources/2021/4/2021-educause-horizon-report-teaching-and-learning-edition

Gallagher, S., & Palmer, J. (2020, September 29). The pandemic pushed universities online. The change was long overdue. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2020/09/the-pandemic-pushed-universities-online-the-change-was-long-overdue

Kohnke, L., & Moorhouse, B. L. (2021). Adopting HyFlex in higher education in response to COVID-19: students’ perspectives. Open Learning, 36(3), 231–244. https://doi.org/10.1080/02680513.2021.1906641

Milman, N., Irvine, V., Kelly, K., Miller, J., & Saichaie, K. (2020, July 7). 7 things you should know about the HyFlex course model. Educause. https://library.educause.edu/resources/2020/7/7-things-you-should-know-about-the-hyflex-course-model

Rider, J., & Moore, A. (2021). Scaling HyFlex for the post-pandemic campus. Educause Publications. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2021/8/scaling-hyflex-for-the-post-pandemic-campus

IN: HyFlex learning