Faced with an ever-changing situation and a need to adapt to challenging circumstances, ADDU has implemented a ‘hybrid classroom’ model in time for the start of the new school year.

A hybrid classroom, sometimes referred to as a hyflex classroom, is a learning environment that includes a mix of students who are present in the physical classroom and also participants joining the class virtually. Popular video-conferencing software platforms, such as Zoom or Microsoft teams, enable students to attend their lectures or seminars remotely, regardless of their own physical location.

The hybrid class model combines the face-to-face element of in-person teaching together with the flexibility of location that online courses provide. It blends real-time in-person learning experiences and virtual team activities for maximum teacher-student engagement. With a hybrid classroom, students who prefer in-person learning can attend class in the traditional way, but students who may be at higher risk can choose to learn from home. But in this case, being at home won’t separate them from their peers—they will still be able to participate in the class alongside those attending in person. Additionally, with some students in the classroom in person and others logging in remotely, the number of students in physical class spaces can be reduced, allowing for greater in-person safety through social distancing.

If students are unable to join in person, remote learners have “presence” through wall displays. Ceiling-mounted microphones support acoustics, and triangulation of equipment supports sightlines to digital content and allows eye-to-eye interactions.