ISSUES, CONCERNS, CHALLENGES OF HYBRID LEARNING MODALITY

What Is Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning is a type of education style that mixes both in-person and remote learning. Face-to-face
time in the classroom tends to center around group discussion and collaborative experiences, while online
components can be used for independent study and multimedia-enhanced content creation. Although it
existed long before today, in the wake of COVID-19 many institutions are turning to hybrid learning as a
way to increase physical classes while decreasing exposure risks. 
Since schools closed, educators were forced to balance teaching a small group of students in-person while
simultaneously providing remote lessons to the majority of learners at home. To do so, they’ve drawn upon
the blended learning model which combines traditional classroom methods with digital resources.
While educators may have anticipated this digital trajectory in the education landscape, how well have they
adapted their school strategy and pedagogical approach to support staff’s teaching and students’ learning?
Indeed, an opportunity exists for educators to embrace high-quality teaching and learning which keeps
students engaged in and out of the classroom, by finding a streamlined solution that equips them for
simultaneous remote and classroom teaching.
So where is hybrid learning at now, and how can educators position themselves to effectively cater for
hybrid learners however the situation changes?
Hybrid Learning allows a flexible approach to learning process performed collaboratively by the student, the
teacher, and the participating experts or institution. Based on the four constructs identified, the key feature
of hybrid learning is that it can be adjusted according to the needs of the learner, the course, and the other
significant indicators, such as pace, time, and
space. Unlike the traditional learning approach, hybrid learning could offer an array of opportunities for time
and space constrained individuals. Hybrid learning has also been found conceptually effective and
applicable in different forms of collaborative learning approaches in
cross-disciplines, institutional bridging, and in non-formal settings. Unfortunately, despite the benefits
offered by hybrid learning, the approach has been found to be less adopted by providers due to drawbacks
in terms of applicability, integration, and social effects to learners, and cost restrictions.

The Biggest Challenges with Hybrid Learning and How to Solve them

[Link]-Lesson Technological Issues

The first and most obvious challenge is that of technology itself.

"Sorry, my wifi is acting up today."
"Can you see my screen?"
"You’re on mute!"
 These phrases have become about as commonplace as "How was your weekend?"
All jokes aside, an unstable or slow internet connection, low battery, a faulty camera or microphone, or any
number of technical difficulties can seriously stand in the way of a student’s ability to learn and
communicate with fellow students and teachers.
In the big picture, lack of access to adequate technology has been a huge obstacle across the country,
related closely to the range of economic circumstances facing some students. This has had an outsized
impact on the technology available to some students or even whole districts.
No matter what the reason, whenever teachers run into technical difficulties, it cuts into valuable time that
should be spent on lessons, hindering the progress of the entire class. Troubleshooting in the middle of a
lesson can quickly turn into a stressful scenario when instructors aren’t equipped to immediately solve
issues with the technology at hand.

The Solution: Screen Skills Gurus

Educators can combat technical difficulties through tech training, learning valuable tools to deal with
commonplace issues, while also walking students through any technological challenges they may face
during class.
Recording lessons, presentations and lectures can also be a huge help so that students can revisit
anything they may have missed when dealing with tech issues that cut into class time. Though easier said
than done, obtaining reliable technology is key to providing a standardized learning experience for students
regardless of whether they are remote or in the classroom. Administrators should consider adequate
educational technology as a worthy investment to ensure that students have equal access to their
education, while mitigating tech problems across the board.
2. Wandering Young Minds
One of the biggest struggles students face in a hybrid learning environment is taking on the responsibility
for their own education. Remote learning requires a significant amount of self-motivation, time
management, and continued focus amid distractions students wouldn’t typically experience in a physical
classroom.
Teachers are not able to keep as close an eye on students virtually as they would in the classroom either. It
becomes more difficult to maintain control of a class from behind a screen, empowering them to stay
focused and learn.
Lack of focus, motivation, and increased distractions can cause students to fall behind in their work and not
take it as seriously as they would in a traditional classroom structure.
Solution: Engage Them with Interactive Lessons
To nip distractions in the bud, teachers can fine-tune their eye for detail, taking extra care to recognize
signs of disengagement, such as lack of participation in discussions, side activity and wandering eyes.
3. Static in the Communications Channel
When learning in a virtual setting, there are gaps in communication between students and teachers, as well
as students and their peers. It may not seem like an obvious issue, as technology enables us to talk, send
messages, share files, and even our screens.
However, every time a communication changes mediums, spanning air waves and pixels, it essentially
becomes a game of telephone — intentions and expectations are oftentimes lost in translation. Lack of
clear body language and difficulty reading facial expressions can make it difficult for instructors to recognize
when a particular student may be lost or need extra time.
When confusion arises and they don’t speak up, students can easily be left behind while the teacher’s pace
remains the same.
Solution:  Recorded and Easy-Share Lessons
Setting clear parameters for assignments, both written and verbal can help limit confusion, as well as
recording and uploading lessons so that students can revisit course material at will. Opening and
encouraging multiple lines of communication between students and instructors allows students to request
help in the way they feel most comfortable.
If a teacher asks if there are any questions during class, they should encourage students to message or
call during office hours and remain available over email as well. Leveraging video conferencing software to
facilitate both group discussions and one-to-one check-ins are great ways to stay consistent in
communicating with students individually, making sure that everyone is on the same page.
4. Isolation Online
Despite the creature comforts of at-home learning, a lack of social interaction can take its toll. Collaborating
with peers, forming connections with teachers, or even socializing with friends is much more difficult when
tuning in virtually from your room or kitchen table.
The disconnect that occurs can negatively impact students’ communication skills, self-confidence, and
ability to collaborate with others. Though students are more accustomed to socializing virtually than ever
before, it does not replace the importance of in-person camaraderie and verbal communication.
Solution: Simple Collaboration
Tools such as smart screens foster collaboration and dynamic communication among students through
screen share, real-time annotations and class-wide participation. It allows for activities that bring the entire
group together in a fun, captivating way, while enabling students to think and problem solve together.
Students also benefit from group discussions that encourage open dialogue, communication and boost a
sense of community, meanwhile engaging interpersonal and public speaking skills. Providing verbal
feedback on student work is another way to connect with students virtually, as well as organizing peer
reviews where students can engage with each other, share ideas, and learn from their classmates.
Navigating the ins and outs of a hybrid learning environment can be tricky, and understandably so. As a
relatively new structure, both students and teachers are still trying to work out the kinks and understand
what works best for them individually, and as a community. In order to succeed, preparation is key. 

The Effects of a Hybrid Learning Program on Students and Parents.

Basically, in this era of the pandemic coronavirus, hybrid learning has raised diverse reactions in people.
For instance, some students and parents are thankful that schools are resuming and maintaining learning
methods and protective measures that will keep the students and teachers safe. 
Nonetheless, others are worried about the fact that some schools have not resumed fully, which has made
the children learning methodology complex and baffling. Typically, while some students and parents
consider hybrid learning to be demanding, others consider it as a creative method of ensuring continuous
and advanced knowledge. 
Therefore, hybrid learning has both its positive and negative effects. 
Positive effect (Advantages) 
–         Flexibility
Flexibility is one of the major advantages of hybrid learning. Ultimately, the teaching and learning programs,
the choice of environment, and the interaction between the teachers and the students are flexible. Simply
put, the students can both learn online and still hold physical classroom learning. 
However, it is an advantage for students who have any form of disability, especially in case they cannot
perform well in the physical classroom. 
At the rise of the Coronavirus pandemic, the need for adopting a flexible way of teaching children
(promoting the social distancing measures) became a requirement. It is a learning model where the
educator or teacher has to concentrate on the needs of the two sets of learners – remote and physical. 
–         Digital Knowledge 
Hybrid learning undoubtedly help schools and learning centers to engage in the advanced use of
technology for learning purposes. As a result, it develops the intellectual and research skills of students and
teachers.  
Usually, the students will get accustomed to more digital learning activities provided that they are properly
monitored. Also, they will acquire the knowledge of doing their assignments by making use of the internet. 
–         Enhanced Safety
To keep the students and teachers safe, a safer way of learning must be promoted. The COVID measures
should be properly observed by ensuring that the classroom is not crowded and rowdy. Therefore, the
hybrid learning program enhances the public measures for safety commitments.
Most schools observe this by alternating learning days for the students. That is some days of learning
physically at the centers and others days of learning virtually from home.
According to Dean Blumberg of UC Davis Children’s Hospital, schools must observe the following
measures for safety;
-Maintain small classes
-Separate children into small groups
-Teach children how to use mask properly
-Maintain flexible classes
–         Social wellbeing is still certain 
Hybrid learning does not keep students away from their peers, caregivers, and teachers. Rather, the
students will still have chances to interact and connect on days they attend their learning centers
physically. 

Challenges of Hybrid Learning (Negative Effects)

Technical Issues
One of the common problems of hybrid learning has been technical issues. Occasionally, there could be
bad Wi-Fi connections which may cause a student to miss some vital information. Based on research,
some school staffs reported that they have connection issues and difficulties placing cameras in
classrooms.
Also, some parents complained about their data getting finished swiftly whenever their children are in an
online classroom for long hours. 
Moreover, younger children may find it difficult to understand what the instructor is saying, especially while
on a nose mask. Hence, instructors should make use of microphones whenever they are wearing a mask. 
Lesser Discipline
Monitoring students in a physical classroom is more effective than monitoring students in a remote
classroom. A child may even choose to miss classes on purpose because he feels no one is watching him,
except in cases where the parents give the child close monitoring. 
This can even cause the child not to meet up with his school assignments and eventually affect his
academic performance and result.  
Engaging students who are learning from home requires extra work on the part of the teachers so that they
will not get lost in the learning process. When the cameras are off, the teacher may not know which student
is paying attention or not. To ensure that the students learning from home perform well in classes, the
teachers have to go extra miles.
Hybrid learning may also prove difficult if digital devices in classrooms are limited. Classroom digital
devices are useful for;
teaching students
monitoring the performance of students
recording the performance of students
How can a Hybrid Learning Program be Helpful to Students and Families? 
Based on the present circumstances surrounding COVID19, one cannot deny the fact that hybrid learning
is beneficial to a student’s knowledge and safety. Rather than avoiding it, it is better to consider how it can
be managed because technology keeps advancing globally. In effect, hybrid learning may become
inescapable in the years to come. 
Parents, teachers, and students need to accept the fact that virtual learning can be safely merged with
physical classroom learning. This will help individuals to gradually adapt to the innovative educational
challenges, provided the safety measures are observed. 
Therefore, hybrid learning program can be helpful to students and parents by implementing strategies that
will enhance its efficiency. Such strategies include;

Prioritizing Students’ Wellbeing

Before the learning program commences, the wellbeing of the student must be first considered. This
includes social, emotional, mental, and physical wellbeing because it is a more complex teaching model
that requires paying more attention to the student. 
Undeniably, the pandemic has created a sort of tension among students, teachers, and parents in society.
Hence, teachers must take their time to ensure that the students who will be using this learning model are
emotionally, physically, and mentally fit to do so. The essence of focusing on the child’s wellbeing is to
encourage a positive student-teacher relationship, irrespective of the learning model. 
The hybrid learning model may affect the well-being of the student if care is not taken. Teachers should
monitor the well being of students and establish good relationship with them for positive academic
performance. Also, the face to face interaction between the teacher and the student is still very important
beyond the border of google classroom.
Steady communication is necessary 
The essence of communicating steadily is to ensure that the teachers continue to keep in touch with
students and their parents. Also, it will keep the students more engaged in their learning activities. In effect,
the students and their parents must know what to anticipate from a hybrid learning program. 
For instance, a teacher must communicate the days when a student will be having classes and will have to
inform the student and his parent about the hybrid learning regulations. As a result, the parent and
caregiver will be able to monitor the performance of the child.  
Moderate implementation of digital applications
While hybrid learning can improve the digital knowledge of students, the use of digital applications must be
moderate. In essence, the teachers must take it easy on the children while introducing them to several
online classroom and reading applications. 
The majority of students are used to google classroom, zoom, and among others. Hence, some teachers
may want to try other attractive applications which may be at the disadvantage of the children. In effect, too
many applications may affect their concentration. There is a need for moderacy. 

Blended or Hybrid Learning: Challenges and Solutions

Blended or hybrid learning is the name of the game for the school year of 2020-2021, with the coronavirus
pandemic showing no signs of leaving, any time soon. The goal is to limit contact, while getting kids an
education. Most schools and students will be using a combination of traditional classroom learning along
with some form of at-home learning. But this sort of blended/hybrid learning means we will continue to
confront the challenges of learning at home, such as wandering student attention, the lack of social
interaction, and parents distracted from their work. Taking frequent breaks, one-on-one teacher-student
sessions, and opting for interactive tech over the Zoom classroom are some of the ways teachers,
students, and parents are making it work.
In the past, parents could depend on the schools to educate their children. Now, with hybrid/blending
learning a reality, parents must balance work with overseeing their children’s education. Learning at home
is also hard on students, who may miss out on important social interactions with their classmates and
teachers. Finally, virtual learning is hard on teachers, who may not be able to tell when a student’s attention
has wandered.

Wandering Attention

In the classroom, it’s a cinch for teachers to spot when students have stopped paying attention. But it’s not
so easy online. “The challenge facing us educators is that we can’t sense when a student has lost focus, is
completely lost, or just doesn’t care. We can’t see their body language on a Zoom call and we have them in
person so infrequently,” says Jed Macosko, a teacher and the educational director Academic Influence.
“These sessions can be as short as five minutes, but they really help me as an educator to know how my
students are doing.”
Using the Right Tech

While many elementary school teachers have experienced frustration engaging young students through
online learning, others say that using the right technology makes all the difference. That would include
Nancy Penchev, who teaches instructional technology for Kindergarten to Grade 5 students. Penchev has
been enjoying what she terms, “incredible success” giving math tutoring classes virtually to a class of
2nd graders. The Miami-based teacher says it’s all about using the right tech to keep young kids engaged,
offering fun challenges, and getting parents and families involved in the learning.

Penchev serves as an ambassador for the Osmo Projector App. Used in conjunction with Zoom
conferencing, Penchev says the app allows her students to watch on their screens as she writes out
calculations and notes on her desktop in real time. It’s kind of like writing on a whiteboard in class and it
does sound better than having young students stare passively at a computer screen. But using Osmo
requires the use of an iPad tablet, not something every student owns or can purchase, especially during a
challenging economic period.

Offering Fun Challenges

Penchev also likes to offer fun challenges for students at home, to keep young students motivated and
actively involved while learning remotely. “We had a measurement scavenger hunt where I would spin a
wheel of measurements from 5 cm to 100 cm and kids would run around the house finding things that met
the length,” says Penchev.

Getting Parents Involved

Enlisting a parent’s or family’s help is crucial, says Penchev, who adds that family involvement makes the
learning experience more socially interactive and less passive. Take “scoot” games. Scoot is a type of
whole class activity that has kids moving from seat to seat in order to solve problems. “Hide and seek
fractions is a scoot game we normally play in class, but since learning is taking place at home, parents hide
the cards and students and families find them and figure out the answers,” says Penchev, who adds that
she also has families share how they use fractions in real life, so kids can begin to think about practical
uses for fractions.

Blended or Hybrid Learning or Doing it All Online?

Jessica Speer writes about social emotional topics for kids and families. She’s also the mother of two
daughters, ages 12 and 14, who started hybrid school this week. Back at the beginning of COVID-19,
Speer’s daughters found the quick switch to distance learning difficult. “By the end of the school year, both
experienced Zoom fatigue and found it difficult to stay engaged and excited about school,” says Speer.

“This fall, our school district offered a hybrid as well as a completely online option. Given their previous on-
line experience, my kids really pushed to try the hybrid where they attend school two or three days a week
and work at home the others,” says Speer, who did a few things this summer to support her children’s
success at school.

Create a Personal Sanctuary

Speer began by redecorating her teenager’s bedroom. “Our teenager feels trapped at home during the
pandemic,” says Speer. “To help her feel more comfortable, we redecorated her bedroom into a space she
loves and can do her schoolwork in. Since many kids are doing online school from their bedrooms, it’s
important for them to feel good about their personal surroundings.”
For Speer’s other daughter, it was all about a single purchase. “My other daughter loves tea, so we got her
an electric teapot for her desk. This simple item brings her so much joy as she faces a long day of school
work.”

Get Them Outside, Every Day

The mother of two also made efforts to interrupt her daughters’ constant screen time, at least a little, by
getting them outside every day. “Screen time is at an all-time high as teens not only engage in learning
remotely but try to stay connected with their peers and reduce boredom. I’ve talked to many parents that
are concerned that their teens are on devices 10 plus hours a day.

“While it’s important for teens to connect with friends, it’s also important for them to take a break,” says
Speer. “I make sure my kids get outside for some fresh air every day they are home. I ask them to walk the
dog, do an errand for me, go for a bike ride, or move their bodies. I’ve noticed this little break lifts
their mood and helps them find the energy to finish their school work.”

Blended or Hybrid Learning: Understand How Your Child Learns

If there’s anyone who understands the challenges of blended or hybrid schooling, it’s Dana Stahl,
[Link]. Stahl has served as a learning specialist for the past 35 years. Today she’s an education consultant
with a specialty in remote learning, and is also an award-winning author. “Managing blended or hybrid
schooling requires understanding how your child learns. If your child needs to be redirected to tasks in
school, he’ll need to be redirected to tasks at home.

“Is your child an independent learner, or a dependent learner? Independent learners are efficient and
effective at maneuvering their ways through assignments,” says Stahl.

Dependent learners, on the other hand, need constant encouragement and direction to make it through
their assignments. “Does your child need support to complete tasks? If your child needed parental support
with face-to-face learning, he will certainly need you close by now to cheer him on, and to set up tasks in a
methodical and manageable manner,” explains Stahl.

It’s no surprise that students benefit from class discussions. “Hopefully,” says Stahl, “the opportunity will
exist to engage students in conversations on books they are reading, science observations, and shared
methods of solving math problems. If not, have your child partner with a friend to help make learning
tangible and meaningful,” suggests the learning consultant.

Ten Effective Strategies for Blended or Hybrid Learning

Stahl offers ten effective teaching strategies to help children feel and be successful at managing blended or
hybrid schooling:

1. Partner with children as they receive online lessons

2. Clarify directions and check for understanding
3. Incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic (movement) clues to help your child remain focused
4. Remain in physical proximity to your children to help refocus their attention
5. Create a workspace free of distractions to increase sustained attention
6. Provide headsets to block out surrounding noise
7. Break down assignments into manageable components working towards completion
8. Encourage breaks, allowing your children to stretch and refocus
9. Provide positive reinforcement and rewards for staying on task
10. Remain patient
Manage Blended or Hybrid Learning with Organization and Routine

Eileen Carter-Campos is in a unique position to understand the challenges of blended or hybrid learning.
Carter-Campos is both a parent and a teacher. The mother of two manages hybrid learning with lots of
organization and routine. “Kids must understand that when they’re learning at home, school is still in
session. As a teacher, when I work, my children work. It’s nonnegotiable,” says Carter-Campos.

“Of course, there are times when the kids might have a question and I will assist, but for the most part, they
know that when I am teaching synchronously or I am in a meeting, they need to work independently as they
would in school. This is the only way it has worked for us. We have talk about this, and expectations are set
prior to the beginning of school so they know what is expected of them.”

Willie Greer, a product analyst, has two kids now attending school in a blended learning situation. “The
tricky thing about this pandemic situation is that there is stuff in brick and mortar education that is pivotal to
helping children develop who they are as individuals,” says Greer. “Without personal interaction, children
quickly get distracted, and because of their short attention span, it’s more likely that they do not understand
anything from their online classes.”

More Hands-On Interaction with Children

Greer solves the problem of kids missing out on interaction with teachers and classmates by being more
hands-on with his children. “Spend more time with your kids, even if you have to do it after work hours, to
ensure they learned something from all that time they spent in front of a screen.”

The need to get more involved with a child’s education adds more to the parent’s plate, especially if one or
both parents work. Greer takes this in stride. “We have to keep in mind that as much as we find blended
learning an overwhelming experience, for our children it’s even worse. Parents need to remember this and
instead of focusing on their own resentment, try to be a support system for their children, instead.”

But supporting children when you’re struggling to keep up at work and not get fired is not so easy. Actually,
none of this is easy. Which is why working parents may find they need an at-home office to make things
work—if they can afford to make that happen.

Working Parents: The Need to Close the Door

Perhaps this is why real estate listings with home offices have jumped 10 percent since April 2019. Parents
need privacy and peace and quiet to remain productive at work. They need to be able to close the door.
How to do this when kids are on the other side of that door, in desperate need of our help and some
personal interaction remains a serious dilemma.

What parents are finding out is that blended or hybrid learning, like anything else, has a learning curve.
Figuring out what works will take time and practice, which is a lot like learning itself. One thing is certain;
parents and children everywhere are all in the same boat. The only thing to do is keep on rowing. We’ll all
get there eventually, even if we have to get really, really creative.