Teaching Guides & Resources > Online Teaching & Learning > HyFlex > What is HyFlex?
A Student-Centered Approach
HyFlex, short for Hybrid-Flexible, is a teaching and learning model that embraces flexibility, inclusivity, and innovation. This approach is designed to cater to the diverse needs of today's students, offering them multiple avenues to access and participate in their coursework. At Reynolds, we recognize that every student's journey is unique, and HyFlex learning allows us to cater to those individual needs effectively.
Reynolds defines HyFlex as a student-centered course design model that integrates in-class, online Zoom sessions that occur at the same time the live class is going on, (synchronous,) and content delivery that is available when the student chooses, (asynchronous.) This approach allows students to choose between attending in-person classes, joining via Zoom , or completing coursework asynchronously. They can also switch between these options as needed for a well-rounded learning experience.
The Four Pillars of HyFlex Learning
The HyFlex course design is built upon four fundamental values: Learner Choice, Equivalency, Reusability, and Accessibility, each with a corresponding guiding, or universal, principle for designers and instructors to follow. These four “pillars” provide a consistent and solid foundation for resulting courses and programs (Hybrid-Flexible Course Design (Beatty, ed., 2019).
- Learner Choice: Provide meaningful alternative participation modes and enable students to choose between participation modes daily, weekly, or topically.
- Equivalency: Provide learning activities in all participation modes which lead to equivalent learning outcomes.
- Reusability: Utilize artifacts from learning activities in each participation mode as “learning objects’ for all students.
- Accessibility: Equip students with technology skills and equitable access to all participation modes.
Benefits of HyFlex Learning
Reynolds has embraced HyFlex learning for several reasons, and these advantages benefit our students and faculty alike:
- Customized Learning: HyFlex allows students to tailor their learning experience to their preferences and needs. Whether you thrive in a classroom setting or prefer to study in the comfort of your own home, HyFlex accommodates your learning style.
- Increased Engagement: With multiple modes of participation, students can choose the one that makes them feel most engaged. This personalization leads to improved focus and commitment, ultimately leading to better learning outcomes.
- Diverse Interaction: HyFlex encourages diverse interactions among students. Those attending in person can engage with their peers face-to-face, while online students can participate in discussions and group work through digital platforms. This mix of interaction styles fosters a rich learning environment.
- Time and Location Flexibility: For students juggling work, family, and other commitments, HyFlex offers the freedom to decide when and where to study. No longer do you have to sacrifice your other responsibilities to attend classes on a fixed schedule.
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: By making accessibility a priority, HyFlex ensures that all students, regardless of their abilities, can access the resources and content they need to succeed.
- Cost Savings: The reusability of course materials and resources reduces the overall cost of education. It's a win-win for students looking to get the most out of their education without breaking the bank.
