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Blended and hybrid learning

Over recent years, universities have changed how they deliver education to the extent that today it would be almost impossible to imagine a university without educational technologies requiring internet access. With advancements in educational technology, new modes of learning and teaching have evolved, and universities have moved away, in some cases, from purely face-to-face modes of teaching to partly or fully online modes.In particular, in order to make the most out of your studies at Monash University, you need to learn about hybrid learning and blended learning as two approaches you might experience during your studies.

Tips for making the most out of hybrid and blended learning models View

Blended learning

In a blended learning model, there are a number of learning activities you must do before and/or after attending the actual class session (either online or in-person). Sometimes, educators might refer to this type of delivery as ‘flipped’, because it ‘flips’ the traditional model of content delivery in the face to face environment.

In this model you are required to complete a number of learning activities, such as readings, video tutorials, and exercises, that are designed to support your participation in the class session. Class time can, then, be used for in-depth discussion and questions to deepen self-paced learning outside of the class session.

Hybrid learning

In a hybrid learning environment, you attend the class in person while others join online. In one model of hybrid learning, both groups attend the same lesson at the same time and participate in the same learning activities. In another model, both on-campus and online groups attend the same learning activity but in two separate sessions, one for on-campus participants and the other one for online students. In the third model of hybrid learning, there are different but equivalent learning activities for on-campus and on-line participants.

While sometimes it can be a bit tricky having learners online as well as physically in the room, hybrid classrooms are an important way for Monash to provide inclusive and accessible learning to all students.

Hybrid vs Blended learning

The main difference between hybrid and blended learning styles is that in the hybrid mode you can choose whether to attend the classes in person or to join the same class online due to being away from the campus. Blended learning, on the other hand, is based on combining self-paced and mostly online learning resources with commonly conventional forms of course delivery such as in-person classes.

Both hybrid and blended learning models give you the freedom to learn independently, efficiently, and from a range of high-quality resources and experts. By developing a set of new learning habits and study strategies, staying open and flexible, and having a positive mindset about these models, you can successfully navigate your hybrid and blended learning experiences.

Making the most out of hybrid and blended learning models

Regardless of which teaching approach your unit uses, there are a number of steps you can take to enhance your learning.

To successfully journey through your unit and make the most out of it, it is important to learn about the overall structure of the unit. Depending on the unit delivery, there may be online self-paced, online in-person, and on-site in-person elements, so it is important to learn how your unit is structured.
With both blended learning and hybrid learning models, if you do not stay organised, things might get confusing and overwhelming. To stay on top of your studies, it is important to have a clear understanding about your class schedules, assignments, due dates, and final assessments. A clear understanding of your unit requirements can help you navigate through the online and in-person resources, activities, and sessions more effectively.
For example, you should know:
- what platforms are used
- where you can find the study materials
- how and where to ask questions
- when and where class sessions are held
- how many assignments you have
- what your responsibilities are.
If you want to have a smooth learning journey throughout the unit, make sure you gain a clear understanding of unit structure in the first few days so that you can know what to expect.
Learning about the weekly and semester learning objectives for your units can give you a sense of direction. You can use this knowledge to develop a weekly learning plan and a semester workload management plan. When you have a clear understanding of the weekly and semester learning objectives, the content of the unit makes more sense.
By making yourself familiar with the core technological applications and platforms that are used in your units, you can make your learning journey smooth and effortless in hybrid and blended learning modes. Some of the most common technologies at Monash University are Moodle, ZOOM, Echo360, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, MoVE, Panopto, Turnitin, and eExams.
No matter how tech savvy you are, it is always helpful to learn about or refresh your knowledge about those technological applications and platforms.To learn more about these technologies, there are potentially short online training modules available through Student Academic Success, Monash Library, LinkedIn Learning, YouTube, or even your faculty.
Not all of your learning will take place during classes. In both hybrid and blended learning models, there is always an element of self-paced learning in which you may be required to do some pre and/or post class activities either independently or in groups. For example, you might be required to submit a piece of writing, complete exercises, take quizzes, do readings, watch video tutorials, and/or participate in online discussions. This is to divide the load of the learning, and allocate most of the class time to meaningful interactions, activities, and Q & A episodes. This means you should take charge of your own learning by actively committing to and participating in the different stages of your learning journey.
To make your learning journey in blended and hybrid modes smooth and effective, you need to be intentional about your learning. It is important to use class time for effective interaction. For example, you should participate in any online or on-site class sessions because these sessions give you a chance to have conversations, class discussions, and Q & A sessions, which are all scientifically proven ways that can enhance your learning.
Participation in classes can also be a great opportunity to meet your lecturers, tutors, and classmates to exchange ideas, share thoughts and concerns, and learn from one another. Participation in classes can also help you experience a sense of belonging, and defeat the sense of isolation.
If you do not understand something, take the initiative and ask for help. If you need extra support to complete a task, do not hesitate and be proactive in reaching out for support. At Monash University, you can always ask your lecturer or tutor for help. You can have learning advice consultations with Student Academic Success. Depending on the nature of your question, you can also approach other services, such as Monash Library. It is important to develop a habit of support seeking as your learning journey is too important to be travelled alone.
Studying in hybrid and blended learning modes might make you feel lonely and isolated. This, in the long run, might negatively impact your learning by lowering your motivation and enthusiasm.
One way to prevent this is by staying connected with your peers, tutors, and lecturers via online spaces. For example, most units have discussion forums where you can ask your questions or respond to other students' comments and enquiries. In some cases, students start social media groups for everybody to join and interact.
Because hybrid and blended learning models are quite recent and constantly evolving, it is important to reflect on your learning habits and if necessary, develop a set of new ones. By constantly reflecting on your learning habits and making any necessary adjustments along the way, you can adapt to the unavoidable new changes that hybrid and blended learning models have introduced to studying at university.
Like almost any other technological phenomenon, hybrid and blended learning might have some consequences for your overall health and wellbeing. For example, it is unavoidable to experience longer periods of sitting at a desk, reading on the screen, watching recorded tutorials, and attending online meetings. It is, therefore, important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In case you need support, Monash University offers free counselling services for all its students. By prioritising your overall health and wellbeing, you can experience a smooth and enjoyable learning journey.

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	Understand how your unit will be delivered Your units might have online self-paced, online in-person, and on-site in-person elements, so it is important to learn how each of your units is structured. Also, familiarise yourself with the weekly and semester learning objectives of the unit, which can help you develop and fine tune your learning and workload management plans.
	Familiarise yourself with the technology No matter how tech savvy you are, it is always helpful to learn about or refresh your knowledge about the most common technologies and platforms that are used at Monash.
	Do the required pre-class and post-class work In both hybrid and blended learning models, there is always an element of self-paced learning requiring you to do some pre and/or post class activities. If you need extra support with a task, do not hesitate and reach out for help.
	Stay connected If you do not want to feel lonely and isolated, you should stay connected with your peers, tutors, and lecturers online and, if possible, in person. Be proactive and use class sessions as an opportunity to meet your classmates and lecturers, and have conversations, class discussions, and Q & A sessions.
	Reflect on and adapt your study habits To maximise your learning in blended and hybrid modes, constantly reflect on your learning habits and make adjustments as you go on.
	Maintain your wellbeing To prevent any impacts on your overall health and wellbeing, it is important to develop healthy routines and follow a healthy lifestyle.