Hybrid Education
What is Hybrid Education?
Hybrid education, a unique blend of online and in-person learning, offers students the best of both worlds. It provides hands-on learning, fosters social and emotional connections, and allows for a flexible schedule, making it a compelling choice for many.
Blended or hybrid learning models are gaining traction in the education sector. They combine the benefits of traditional classroom learning with the flexibility of online learning, catering to the increasing demand for adaptable schedules in both education and the workforce.
The Benefits of In-Person Learning
In-person learning offers three distinct advantages: the opportunity for social and emotional connections, access to all school or campus facilities and resources, and the unique experience of being physically present in the classroom.
Physically attending classes allows students to form personal connections with teachers and classmates, whether K-12 or at the college level. This level of social support is critical for students struggling with academic or personal struggles. The ability to sit down with a teacher, look over the assignment, and work side-by-side on addressing any issues is an experience that’s hard to replicate in a digital format.
Working with teachers and classmates in person also contributes to developing professional skills. For example, giving a virtual presentation is not the same as standing in front of a room full of peers, presenting your research, and advocating for your position.
The Benefits of Remote Learning
Where the in-person learning model fosters human interaction, the remote learning model facilitates flexibility and accessibility. It is often easier for busy professionals or parents to balance travel, work, and family life with a degree or curriculum program that doesn’t require students to be physically at school each day.
Remote learning offers flexibility that’s frankly unachievable for entirely in-person programs. You aren’t bound by geographical limits with fully remote programs. Think about it: students worldwide can participate in international virtual programs at their schools of choice without unrealistic relocations. Asynchronous remote learning also allows students to work on assignments at a convenient time that works for them. This makes it much easier for students to participate in extracurricular activities or work a part-time or full-time job if they are college-aged. .
Ever since 2020, health and safety have been at the forefront of remote learning; however, these models have offered a viable option for students who may have been physically, mentally, or financially unable to attend entirely in-person programs for several years.
With the cost of living continuing to rise, there has also been a rise in online or remote learning programs. Remote learning models provide an accessible, safe alternative for these students to achieve their academic and professional goals without the additional cost of housing, meal plans, and other college campus expenses. Parents of K-12 students also enjoy the freedoms of remote learning and say there is less pressure on their children for image and appearances. Online, they can simply learn.
The Benefits of Hybrid Learning
Hybrid Learning allows students to experience a traditional classroom while also offering the flexibility of remote learning. Everyone has their preferences, but students and educators generally enjoy the hybrid learning model, as it is the best of both worlds for everyone.
Written By: Meredith Biesinger
Professional Writer/ Education Specialist
Meredith Biesinger is a licensed dyslexia therapist in Mississippi, in addition to being an experienced classroom teacher and K-12 administrator. Meredith also works as a consultant, where she bridges the bridge the gap between K-12 school districts and ed-tech organizations. With a passion for literacy, she is also a professional writer and syndicated author. With a M.Ed in Educational Leadership and a B.S. in English Education and Creative Writing, she has had rich and diverse opportunities to teach students and education professionals in different parts of the country as well as overseas.
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