Spotlight on SOTL: High-Five for HyFlex

This article is based on the following research article: 

Adeel, Z., Mladjenovic, S. M., Smith, S. J., Sahi, P., Dhand, A., Williams-Habibi, S., Brown, K., & Moisse, K. (2023). Student engagement tracks with success in-person and online in a hybrid-flexible course. The Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.5206/cjsotlrcacea.2023.2.14482

The HyFlex model – that is, where students can attend synchronous class either physically or virtually – can provide the flexibility that is preferred and necessary for students without impacting the learning experience or creating more work for instructors.  Led by Dr. Katie Moisse from the School of Interdisciplinary Science, researchers at McMaster University implemented a HyFlex model in content-based and skills-based Life Sciences courses. In a HyFlex model, students were required to participate synchronously, regardless of whether they joined in-person or online. The study found that virtual learning does not negatively impact student performance or lecture attendance.

What did the researchers do and find?

Both courses required students to participate synchronously, but gave the choice to attend virtually or in-person. Students could choose either attendance option every week. The study found no difference in engagement and final-grades between those who either preferred in-person or online lectures. In other words, virtual learning does not negatively impact student performance or lecture attendance. The researchers found that students stated that having activity slides and the ability to replay lectures could support their learning. The HyFlex model supports accommodations as most respondents had at least one flexible learning need. These barriers include lack of transportation, time preference for studying, and employment hours. Overall, the HyFlex model can provide the flexibility that is preferred and necessary for students without impacting the learning experience or creating more work for instructors.

How might you use this research in your teaching?

Here are a few ways you can support and easily implement HyFlex model in your class:

• Allocate 4-5% marks towards lecture attendance and participation for either modality to encourage students to take part in classroom activities.
• Add 4-8 activity slides per lecture for interactivity during the lecture.
• Assign prep work prior to class (ex. Required readings or video) to measure student progress towards learning outcomes.
• Ask for volunteers to create a small group of in-person students to monitor online discussion boards and speak up on behalf of their online peers.

In addition to this, Echo360 is available in 91 classrooms at McMaster University, and has the added feature of automatic uploading and transcription, reducing work for instructors. The team in the Campus Classroom Technologies (CCT) unit can support you in learning and applying this technology.

Stay tuned for the next Spotlight on SoTL coming to the MacPherson Memo on May 1, 2024.