Gurushala

Classroom Learning

Importance of Hybrid Teaching

The unprecedented crisis because of the pandemic led to a new model of education system coming into the limelight, that was the ‘hybrid model’ or the blended model of learning. This model was something that was never thought of, except being used in higher education. But due to COVID-19, the educational institutions and teachers were forced to go online to impart education. This led to a new form of teaching-learning for both the parties- the teachers and students. What is the meaning of ‘hybrid teaching’?

Hybrid learning is a form of imparting education that involves offline and online learning, i.e. a mix of face-to-face classroom learning along with online activities to further cement the information or concepts.it is a little different from what blended learning is. The latter is not meant to replace traditional face-to-face learning but intends to complement offline learning through additional resources. Hybrid learning, however, intends to replace an element of offline learning. It is designed as an alternative to in-person material. It helps in bringing flexibility to the teaching-learning experience.

Hybrid learning involves revamping the designed curriculum to involve strategies that are different from in-person classroom education. Talking about the advantages of the hybrid model of learning, this model provides a pace to the students that they are comfortable with. Some students are slow learners and some are fast ones. This provides them with a platform where they can learn at their own pace, thereby incrementing retention along with providing a deeper understanding of the concepts. In this space where they have control over the pace and place of learning, the attendance, and participation of students increases. The use of technology along with face-to-face classrooms provides comprehensive evaluation along with peer-reviewing to the students. Use and learning about Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been mentioned in the New Education Policy-2020 and this model can help use that. Hybrid learning can make use of gamification, creating self-paced courses, short videos, where the teacher or even the students can create the same, making the teaching-learning outcome more productive. Additionally, it can help in saving precious time and energy spent on commuting. Also, as in the hybrid model, learners are responsible to accomplish the said task on their own, it helps them become self-directed learners.

It is a well-known fact that the Indian education system and the job market had been suffering due to an imbalance between the two. This model of education, however, prepares the learners to be self-dependent and disciplined, which can not only help them in their higher education but also in their jobs. This model also helps push the NEP-2020, as it helps in promoting technology along with working on the skills of the learners too. Thus, we need to push for this model of education at different levels, starting with areas having good internet connectivity along with being tech-savvy. Then, with the help of different stakeholders, this can be spread into the backward areas too, helping the country attain its goal of universal education for all.

About the author

Divya Joshi is working in Pratham Education Foundation and works on aspects of Content Creation for the teacher capacity development portal: Gurushala. Any views expressed are personal.

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