Flexibility can be achieved in different ways and used for different purposes with varying degrees of student choice. It can ranges from a simple combination of on-campus and online elements fully controlled by the teacher to a HyFlex model where students can always choose between different formats:

  • synchronous in the classroom
  • synchronous online on campus
  • synchronous online at the learning center
  • synchronous online individually
  • asynchronous

Depending on the combination of formats, different possibilities exist:

Non-hybrid - Fully campus: Nothing onlineNon-hybrid - Fully online: Nothing on campus or at learning centresHybrid - Flexible: Sometimes allowed to take part on Zoom. Some learning activities are offered online synchronously. Teacher chooses which modes are available for every activity, but there are always more than one mode. Students choose in which mode to participate for every activity.

However, the trend is that most training is somehow a mix.

As a teacher, when choosing a way of working, the organizational framework sets some limits. But when you want to build a degree program, you should think about the choices you have within these limits.

Think about what might work from the student's perspective, focusing on the student's ability to participate in learning in a way that suits the student and the student's situation. This could include:

  • time
  • location
  • working methods
  • tools

For example, consider whether it is possible to offer synchronous sessions for those who want or need it, while allowing others to complete the course completely asynchronously. However, it is an advantage if the students can follow each other somewhat in the schedule in order for the interaction and joint learning to work optimally.

As a teacher, when designing training and teaching, you should start from the pedagogical needs. You can choose to use a variety of formats, approaches and tools to best meet the needs of your students.