Muneer Ahmad has been associated with ViewSonic India since 2017. He is currently working as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Audio-Visual and EdTech Solutions. In his current role, he is responsible for strategizing marketing plans in sync with the company’s goals and objectives, managing distribution channels, and deployment of sales for the company. His KRA’s also include curating and implementing plans for business and market development, customer management, management of market research, strategic direction for promotions and advertising.
The education sector is witnessing an unprecedented transformation in the learning paradigm given the current situation, and hybrid learning solutions will continue to play a pivotal role in the education sector. Several educational institutes, schools along with the ed-tech solution providers have already adopted the hybrid learning model. This adoption aids to teachers and students in delivering education through both traditional classrooms and online channels.
Furthermore, technology and automation has been a benchmark in evolving the hybrid learning, which is extending across industries and geographies. For instance, working professionals can use the flexibility of hybrid learning to upskill themselves and meet the expectations. Similarly, this model will prove to be the right tool for effective teaching and learning, whether for students, aspiring professionals, or educators. This learning approach will therefore help increase efficiency and effectiveness in our country’s learning and skilling landscape.
Globally, distance learning is being implemented, and many educational institutions are already developed hybrid learning methods. In the last couple of years, The Government of India made efforts to make digital learning more inclusive by giving access to digital learning platforms and boosting the internet through the Digital India initiative.
The purpose of hybrid learning is to mix both online and offline modes in order to achieve a unified learning experience with no gaps.
Advantages of Hybrid Learning
Going beyond Boundaries
Because geographical boundaries are no longer a concern, students from any region and with any area of competence expertise can now gain exposure. Learning can be accelerated by utilizing vernacular delivery modes, which cater to a bigger audience across geographies. Similarly, institutions and training centres now have access to instructors from all over the world, allowing for high-quality teaching and learning across disciplines.
A flexible learning experiences
Hybrid learning offers greater flexibility by allowing for remote access and reaping the benefits of continuous contact with educators as well as streamlining learning. Since COVID-19, many schools have adopted hybrid learning as it eases flexibility of learning, and teaching and, furthermore, leverages communication between peers and their instructor.
Eases Accessibility
The hybrid model promotes accessibility to both students and educators. It has proven beneficial in giving access to both from any part of the region, building engagement between them and has enhanced learning skills.
More efficient use of resources
The new trend of ‘hybrid learning’ gives educators opportunities to showcase their knowledge using well-equipped products and software. Allowing them to use many functionalities, such as an online whiteboard and interactive flat panels embedded with software. Additionally, it integrates learning via various forms of videos giving practical lessons to the learners. Furthermore, products like innovative pen displays, projectors, and monitors are also equipped with interactive software to enhance the seamless hybrid model. Additionally, to maintain efficiency, the industry players are also incorporating AR/VR tools, resulting in high-quality and meaningful learning.
Synchronised communication opportunities
The opportunity for real-time engagement between peers strengthens the face-to-face part of hybrid learning. This period is best used by the educational institutes or schools during hybrid mode classes improvising a Q&A section and in-depth discussions. Additionally, the in-person time develops significant academic ties and then takes those relationships online.
Reduced Student Absenteeism
One of the crucial benefits of the hybrid learning model is the students’ attendance. As the hybrid model is propelling the education ecosystem, there is a high probability of reducing cases of student absence. A physically unwell student can still attend the classes online and engage with the class through remote learning without missing his lecture. At the same time, the hybrid classes can be recorded and uploaded online, allowing the students who were unavailable to stream and learn later.
Educational institutions, teachers, and students must take that opportunity to strengthen the learning ecosystem by adopting a new learning model. In the coming years, individuals and educational institutions must look for innovative ways to make learning more meaningful, relevant, and engaging. As we prepare to return to campus, many of the technologies that assisted us in simply surviving and maintaining classroom continuity will become permanently embedded in our educational methods and play a critical role in the refinement of practices consistent with an ongoing shift to more student-centred learning.