In the dynamic realm of education, Hy-Flex (Hybrid-Flexible) teaching has emerged as a transformative approach to cater to diverse learning needs. As we navigate this new era of education, understanding the various elements needed to embrace the new teaching environment is crucial.
Dr. Joel Kemp, one of our most respected and well-liked faculty at Candler School of Theology, shares his invaluable practices for delivering impactful HyFlex courses. While some practices may be subject to technological updates in classrooms, these principles remain fundamental for engaging both virtual and in-person students.
Dr. Kemp’s Tips for HyFlex Success:
- Utilize Dual Screens: Dr. Kemp recommends having two screens visible—one displaying the presentation material (e.g., PowerPoint) and the other showcasing students participating via Zoom. This setup enables seamless interaction with both sets of students.
- Leverage Zoom Chat as a Virtual “Chalkboard”: The Zoom chat feature serves as a dynamic tool for tracking class discussions, communicating with students, and maintaining engagement across virtual and physical spaces.
- Design Inclusive Activities: Create activities and ask questions that allow all students to participate in similar ways, regardless of their physical or virtual presence. For example, using gestures like a “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” for true/false questions promotes uniform engagement.
- Encourage Virtual Participation: Actively invite virtual students to ask questions and share comments during lectures. This practice ensures that all students, regardless of their location, feel included and valued.
- Facilitate Reading Exercises: When assigning readings, use the chat to designate the order in which students will read aloud. Alternating between virtual and in-person students cultivates a sense of shared participation and encourages students to listen and wait for each other to speak.
Dr. Kemp’s best practices exemplify a thoughtful approach to HyFlex teaching, fostering an amazing learning environment for all students. As technology continues to evolve, these foundational principles serve as a guiding light for educators navigating modern teaching modalities.
For further insights into effective HyFlex teaching methods or to explore innovative approaches to digital learning, please reach out to the Office of Digital Learning at CandlerDigitalLearning [at] emory [dot] edu. Your journey to transformative teaching begins here!