Text CITL Tips for Managing the Hybrid Classroom with Remote Students

Although this course has focused on flipped hybrid delivery where students are expected to attend in person, it's possible that you may have a few or even a lot of students attending your class remotely at the same time. Post-pandemic trends in higher education suggest that students want more choice in how they attend class, and universities are beginning to develop a variety of hybrid-flexible or hyflex strategies to meet students wherever they are. Keep the following suggestions in mind if this is something you are considering.

Plan for Multiple Modalities in Each Class Session

There is no shortcut to managing multi-modal delivery. The best advice we've found is to tightly structure your class sessions and map out a delivery strategy that includes two or even all three modalities (in-person, remote, and asynchronous). Most faculty will find it helpful to do this in the form of a lesson plan, with columns for each modality, spelling out the entire class period including how and when they will mention and involve in-person and remote synchronous students throughout the session. Sample lesson plans showing how others have done this can be viewed here.

Use Digital Tools

Polling, Breakout Rooms, and the Zoom back channel are just some of the digital tools you will need. We like Google Docs for versatile note sharing, small group work, and question-asking during class. This is one of the fastest and easiest ways to build connections between remote and in-person students, with the added benefit being that it can also be used by asynchronous students if needed. Small group work will be technically easier if in-person and remote online groups work separately on tasks, but look for tools and activities that can also bring them together in real time. Refer to Digital Tools for In-Class and Online Activities for more ways to facilitate learning in multiple modalities.

Strive for Parity Between In-Person and Remote Students

During the pandemic we learned how to provide zoom links and hit the record button, but ensuring that remote and in-person students have equivalent classroom experiences can feel like a three-ring circus. We've previously mentioned the importance of developing a Canvas course that includes crystal clear instructions, schedules, links, and reminders. We also recommend asking students to assist with tasks like monitoring the back channel, popping digital tool links or references into Chat when prompted, and letting you know when there are raised hands, comments, or questions. It's also a good idea to ask students periodically what they need, and to let them see you making adjustments. When students see that you are trying your best, they will do their best as well.

Tips for Day One

Day One is crucial for defining expectations and setting the tone for your class. As mentioned earlier, evidence favors those who go the extra mile by planning every minute of the first few class sessions, parsing out who does what, where, and when. Creating a consistent class structure will help students know what to expect so they can focus more on the content, and on forming relationships with you and with each other. Stop at regular intervals to speak specifically to remote students, even when you can't see them. Engage everyone in activities where they can see, hear, and participate with each other. Yes, teaching this way can be challenging, but it can also be exhilarating and rewarding.

Start by greeting students in-person and online.
Select students to assist with different roles, and explain that all will rotate through these roles.
Explain and practice when to use microphones, raise hands, or post to Chat.
Play a fun getting to know you game using Spin the Wheel to call out names. Ask silly or irreverent questions.
Open a prepared Google doc to collect questions/concerns about the class and how it will work.
Stop regularly for students to think-pair-and share in small groups in the room and in breakout rooms.
Randomly pair in-class and remote buddies to work together during the class period, and consider using buddies for other class projects.

Contact CITL for more information and strategies for addressing remote hybrid teaching. New learning labs in the Armory are being set up to offer consultations and a place to practice hybrid delivery in different classroom settings.