One new challenge that many of us are faced with this coming semester is learning how to effectively teach in a hybrid classroom. There are many tools, strategies, and methods for ensuring that you are providing an engaging class for both remote and in class students. While we will have all classes recorded or live-streamed with Echo360, that does not provide us with information on how to teach and engage students, it just gives us the ability to reach those students who may not be present in the room. This session will focus on a few strategies for using technology and different pedagogical methods in this environment. We recommend that you watch the How-to videos and read the documentation provided here before the session as the sessions will focus on strategies for teaching with the tools as opposed to focusing on how to use the tools.

Hybrid Teaching

As you know plans for the Fall are rapidly changing and as new information is gathered things are beginning to solidify into a plan. We had previously planned on recording and live streaming all classes on campus using Echo360.  However, as faculty, students and administrators began to plan, we realized that Echo360 would not allow faculty and students the level of interactivity necessary to create a valuable teaching experience.

Because of this, the university has decided that the hybrid or social distanced class for the Fall should have a web conference component that allows for interaction between faculty members and remote students.  This provides a richer and more pedagogically sound learning environment.

Note: a previous version of this article discussed use of Echo360 – that solution has been changed. We will no longer be recording or live streaming all classes on campus. Faculty will be responsible for recording their web conference sessions.

Before the Fall semester there are a few things you should think about

What web conferencing tool do I want to use?

Our two primary recommendations are Zoom or Collaborate Ultra.

Why use Zoom?

Pros

  •  Zoom will be integrated with Blackboard so you can post links to Zoom sessions in Blackboard
  • Zoom recordings will be integrated with Kaltura. This makes it easy to post your videos to Blackboard.
  • Zoom allows you to PRE-SCHEDULE your recordings.  This makes it easy to remember to record all of your classes for those with tech issues, those who are ill, or those who cannot attend class.
  • Zoom allows you to see 49 participants on each page but allows all screens to be displayed if you click the next page.
  • Zoom allows for breakout rooms  for activties for your remote and face to face students

Cons

  • The attendance feature is not integrated into Blackboard
  • Small amount of set up to post Zoom recordings from Kaltura My Media to Blackboard
  • Requires download of external application (zoom app)

Why use Collaborate Ultra?

Pros

  • Collaborate Ultra is built directly into Blackboard
  • Collaborate Ultra recordings are stored directly in Blackboard, no need for any additional set up recordings are posted as soon as they are ready
  • Collaborate Ultra is web-based so there is no need to download any additional software
  • Collaborate Ultra attendance feature integrates directly into the Blackboard grade center
  • Collaborate Ultra allows for breakout groups

Cons

  • Does not have function to pre-schedule recordings, you must manually remember to record each session (the university is requiring sessions to be recorded)
  • Currently only show 4 screens at once

Note: we do not recommend using Microsoft Teams for Hybrid/social distanced web conferencing because of the limited storage, difficulty with making recordings easily available on Blackboard, lack of breakout groups, as well as a few other limiting factors.

What is in the classroom?

It is important to note that while you will be required to hold a web conference in the hybrid/social distanced classroom, there are some things that are important to note about the classrooms themselves.

  • You will be able to run a web conference session on the classroom computer
  • Some classrooms do not have a video camera in them to capture the instructor
    • we are working to see if there is an option here for this
    • some do have this option
  • The microphone in the room will be able to record your audio
  • It may be easiest and best for you if you have a laptop to bring it to class to run your web conference session because most laptops have a built in web cam and microphone
    • You can also plug your laptop into the classroom system using an HDMI cable
    • If you have a mac, make sure to purchase and bring an HDMI adapter with you
    • You are also most familar with your own equipment and that may be the easiest option for you

Instructional Strategies in the Hybrid Classroom

There are many different instructional strategies that can be used in the hybrid classroom to engage students and provide a rich instructional experience. Below there are a few methods and tools that can be used.

Web Conferencing Tools

Using a web conferencing system allows you to interact more with students who are remote and also utilize break out groups. We will talk about methods for using these systems in our sessions.

Flipped Classroom and Group Work

In many cases utilizing a “flipped” classroom where you pre-record videos or assign readings and assignments that students are responsible for completing before class then using class time for group work, discussion, or critical reflection is often successful in a hybrid method if you plan out activities ahead of time that rely on reflection, critical thinking, discussion, or application of ideas, concepts, and material from the lectures or readings.