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Types of Blended Learning

As described in the previous “What is blended learning” video”, there are three types or structured formats of blended learning that you might consider when approaching blended course design: flipped, hybrid, and HyFlex classrooms. Tab through the figure below to learn more about the differentiating features of each type of blend and for some basic examples of how these blends might be used in higher education.

Hybrid & HyFlex Courses at McMaster

Although it may not be realistic to design and implement a fully HyFlex course from scratch, there are ways to apply the principles of accessibility and student choice in a hybrid course. Please review the examples and linked resources below for information and ideas. 

As you work through this content, please note down any information that clarifies your understanding of “blended learning” or any practices or considerations that might apply to your course or teaching context in Section 1 – What is Blended Learning? of your worksheet.

Expandable List

Course 1A03 has 3 lecture sections (C01 to C03), 6 lab sections (L01 to L06), and 6 tutorial sections (T01 to T06).

  • All lecture sessions for sections C01 to C03 are planned to be offered on campus in a physical classroom. The instructor will rotate through the class such that 1/3 of the class attends on Mondays, 1/3 can attend in person on Tuesdays and the other 1/3 can attend on Thursdays. The instructor broadcasts the in-person lecture so that the other students can attend virtually.
  • All lab sessions for sections L01 to L06 are planned to be offered on campus in a physical lab.
  • All tutorial sessions for sections T01 toT06 are delivered in Zoom / Teams / etc. on the same day at the same time for the entire semester. For this scenario, the MOSAIC instruction mode assignments would be: • C01 to C03 – In Person (P) • L01 to L06 – In Person (P) • T01 to T06 – Virtual Classrooms (V)

For this scenario, the MOSAIC instruction mode assignments would be:

  • C01 to C03 – In Person (P)
  • L01 to L06 – In Person (P)
  • T01 to T06 – Virtual Classrooms (V)

Course 1A03 has 2 lecture sections (C01, C02) and 10 tutorial sections (T01 to T10).

  • Two of the 50-minute sessions for sections C01 and C02 are delivered in Zoom / Teams / etc. on the same day at the same time for the entire semester. The remaining 50-minute session is delivered as an online module in an LMS (e.g. Avenue to Learn).
  • Students will have the choice of signing up for either virtual tutorials (where they will meet with their TA via Zoom or Teams) or in person tutorials (where they will meet with a TA in a room on campus, if permitted by Public Health).

For this scenario, the MOSAIC instruction mode assignments would be:

  • C01, C02 – Virtual Classroom (V)
  • T01 to T05 – Virtual Classroom (V)
  • T06 to T10 – In Person (P)

Blended Learning Examples at McMaster & beyond

To get a better idea of the application of the above descriptions, we have included real-life blended course examples and reflections from McMaster faculty as well as examples from other postsecondary institutions below. Please explore these resources based on your interests and teaching context.

  • In the first blended teaching and learning panel, we heard from Dr. Rita Cossa (DeGroote School of Business), Dr. Rashid Abu-Ghazalah (Biotechnology – Engineering), and Dr. Rosa Da Silva (Biology) as they described their experiences with blended course design, development, and delivery. Learn more about how these instructors implemented blended teaching and learning practices in “Blended Course Examples: McMaster.”
  • In the second panel, we heard from Jamie-Tyler Sewerniuk (Learning Technologies Help Desk, MacPherson Institute), Dr. Susie O’Brien (English and Cultural Studies), Dr. Bridget O’Shaughnessy (Economics), and Dr. Bruce Wainman (Education Program in Anatomy, Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine). Check out “Blended Pedagogies II” for a summary of this panel discussion, including key takeaways and reflections from each panelist.
  • Examples of Blended Courses – University of Waterloo: This webpage describes blended courses across a variety of disciplines at the University of Waterloo.
  • Blended Learning – University of Alberta: This resources from the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of Alberta provides a series of case studies on courses adapted for blended learning. Although not specific to blended learning in the context of COVID-19, the case studies offer useful approaches and strategies for designing blended learning experiences in higher education.
  • Blended Learning Guide – Columbia University’s Center for Teaching and Learning: This webpage provides advice, tips and examples of blended course delivery as well as a series of interviews with instructors who have successfully designed, developed and taught blended courses.