Designing a hybrid learning module for schools

With the current level of technology, teachers can be armed with insightful data to ensure that students become engaged learners, writes Sindhura Narayana

TNN | Posted September 09, 2021 12:03 PM

Designing a hybrid learning module for schools
Over the past five years, there has been rapid progress in technological tools to aid the teaching-learning process in schools. One of the positive outcomes of the pandemic has been the widespread adoption of technology in imparting school education. However, due to severe time constraints imposed by sudden school closures, this process has been unstructured.

Now, as we inch closer to prepare for offline schooling, we must identify the best advantages of technology and integrate these with traditional classroom teaching to maximise the learning process. In essence, we need to create a robust model of hybrid education that ensures students are aided and helped at every step of their school journey.

Before designing a hybrid module for school education, it is important to understand a student’s learning journey. This can be summarised in six steps:
Step 1: Introduction to a concept
Step 2: Relevant study material and content to build familiarity with the concept
Step 3: Practice material with varying levels of difficulty to learn ways to apply the concept
Step 4: Doubt clarifications to refine learning and undo misconceptions
Step 5: Assignments/tests to gauge the level of proficiency a student has achieved
Step 6: Analysis and feedback from teachers for all previous steps

Once this module is identified, we can lay out a framework of hybrid learning and determine the best combination of tools and practices for each step of the process. It is also important to understand the most beneficial time to adopt synchronous learning (face-to-face/group interaction in a physical/online setting) and for asynchronous learning (individual/self-paced).

For instance, at the level of concept introduction, it is better to have a synchronous approach, where teachers can clearly set out learning outcomes, observe, and gauge the level of comprehension. This will help students benefit from discussions with peers and teachers. While a physical classroom is the best option for these discussions, in case of special circumstances such as the current pandemic, online classrooms can also be adopted.

The same logic applies to group discussions, assignments, presentations, and doubt clarifications. All these aspects of learning are enhanced by physical interactions between students and teachers. The feedback is in forms of both verbal and non-verbal cues, which is continuously integrated into the learning.

Asynchronous learning is best suited for steps wherein a student must think critically about a concept as well as internalise its meaning and application. Here, access to technology can enhance the entire learning experience. For instance, study material and content can be customised to the learner’s preference (video/audio/activity-based) and can be accessed at their convenience.

Similarly, adaptive learning technology and analytics can be deployed in practice questions and mock tests to help students progress steadily without losing motivation. Through this, teachers are also given an accurate report regarding the student’s level of comprehension and proficiency. This helps plan more focused interventions and support to ensure that all students achieve the desired outcomes.
These are only few of the many exciting possibilities in a truly hybrid learning environment. With the current level of technology, we have a real chance of arming teachers with insightful data and ensuring that students become engaged learners, leading to positive learning outcomes for all schools and the society.

(The author is MD, Narayana Group)