Hybrid learning what does it mean?Ideas for inclusion and engagement 1 - using live polls

We have heard a lot about ‘hybrid learning’, ‘hybrid’ and ‘flexible working’ since March 2020 and they have become a big part of the current conversation around the future of learning and how we operate in the workplace. As we ease out of lockdowns with fully remote working and move into a more open, more ‘normal’ way of working does that mean we and our students will be in the college 100 % of our time? 

First of all, it is challenging to define what hybrid learning means because it ‘exists in a sliding-scale grey area between two extremes’. We understand what it means to be 100% in the college or to be working fully from home but what can/could hybrid look like now, how can it be set up and what might the benefits be? 

 Before the pandemic, being in our workplace was the norm and during the pandemic, remote working was enforced by the government so there was little to no conversation or consultation or choice. Returning to college brings us to the next step where educational establishments start to consider offering  a hybrid model that has been much more considered and strategic. Do we open all courses in person again or do we offer a blended learning package? This is something that ultimately rests with individual colleges and what works for one will not necessarily work for another. Many conversations between management and staff are needed about how best to engage and include our students. This is key to making hybrid learning work and there are many activities that teachers can use. Live polls are an easy way to get things going. 

Here are  the benefits and some simple  tips around using live polls 

Why? 

• Gives everyone a voice both at home or in the classroom, to make sure all students contribute and feel heard 
• Anonymous making it easier for students to be honest and ask questions for greater transparency 
• Excellent for setting context for new topic content and diagnostically to determine existing knowledge 
• Easy for everyone to use and functions across all video conference platforms (Meet, Teams, & Zoom) - student only need a phone not a laptop or computer 
• Can be used with  Microsoft Teams or Zoom or via an app like Mentimeter directly so attendees can participate directly in the Teams/Zoom call

How? 

Use a question to determine existing mood, knowledge or understanding of a topic 

• Use interactive question types to get everyone involved

• Enable Q&A throughout so anyone can ask questions

Brainstorm, collect opinions and get feedback after a lesson

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