How Teachers Choose and Master Hybrid Learning Tools

Contents:

• How teachers work in a hybrid format
• How EdTech helps in hybrid learning
• Will hybrid learning become the norm?

The term "hybrid learning" today does not have a clear definition and is often used as a synonym Blended learning. This approach combines traditional in-person classes with online resources. For example, this could involve in-class lessons followed by additional classes or homework completed on an electronic platform. Flipped learning is also worth noting, in which students independently study theoretical material, for example, through video lectures, while the teacher facilitates discussions and assessments of the material learned during in-class lessons. Hybrid learning is becoming increasingly popular and relevant in modern educational systems, as it effectively leverages the advantages of both traditional and digital approaches to learning. In these situations, a group of students learns together—both in the classroom and online. However, sometimes a split occurs: some students are present in the classroom, while others learn from home, for example, during quarantine after exposure to someone infected with COVID-19. In such circumstances, the teacher must teach both groups simultaneously. This learning format is known as hybrid learning. Topics related to the selection of teaching materials for hybrid education were discussed at the Moscow International Education Fair.

Invited speakers discussed the challenges teachers face in the current environment and presented educational tools for hybrid learning, examining its advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we summarize the key points of the discussion. For those interested in watching the full discussion, a recording is available on YouTube.

How Teachers Work in a Hybrid Format

Alexey Doronin, a mathematics teacher at Moscow School No. 1520, faced the challenges of hybrid learning after the first wave of the pandemic. The pandemic made it difficult for some students to attend in-person classes. Under these circumstances, it became clear that holding additional online classes in the evening after regular school hours was not the optimal solution. The school also participates in the "Mathematical Vertical" project, where students from different grades are grouped together for in-depth mathematics instruction. This not only maintains interest in the subject but also develops the skills needed to successfully master more complex material. Hybrid learning in such a setting requires flexibility and innovative approaches to ensure a high-quality education for all students. Imagine a situation where several classes are quarantined due to a sick student, while the rest continue their studies. In a group studying advanced mathematics, 10 out of 20 students are unable to attend classes. This creates a significant burden, as each student must master ten hours of material per week. This situation poses an important challenge: how to integrate absent students into the educational process and ensure their participation in lessons. Solving this problem requires developing effective methods of distance learning and interaction with students to minimize knowledge gaps. Teachers have turned to proven distance learning platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Video streaming from the classroom is typically provided by a tablet capable of transmitting high-quality video and audio. While an interactive whiteboard with recording and content sharing capabilities can be used, Alexey says a tablet is sufficient. It is important that the device allows students to see both notebook notes and work at the board. This ensures effective interaction between the teacher and students during distance learning. The teacher emphasized the importance of autonomy in hybrid lessons. Unlike traditional in-person classes, where previous lessons can be built upon, hybrid lessons require each lesson to be independent. Alexey Doronin notes that students must clearly understand what they have learned and how this knowledge can be applied. One of the most challenging tasks in hybrid learning is assessing mastery of the material. Creating motivating tasks that make lessons engaging for children is also key. If a teacher delivers engaging in-person lessons, this will likely be reflected in online classes, says Alexey.

Mikhail Pavlovets, Associate Professor at the School of Philology, Faculty of Humanities, HSE, and Literature Teacher at the HSE Lyceum, emphasizes that hybrid learning is nothing new. Forms of in-person and distance learning have existed for a long time, and teachers have had to adapt to remote interactions with students learning at home. Today, according to Mikhail, new opportunities have opened up for increasing the effectiveness of hybrid learning, and these opportunities should be actively used.

Reading is an important part of our lives and helps develop thinking, improve vocabulary and expand horizons. Books, articles, and other sources of information can enrich our experience and help us solve various problems. Regular reading not only entertains but also promotes personal growth. It's also a great way to learn about new ideas and trends in various fields. To maximize your time spent reading, it's helpful to choose a variety of genres and topics. This will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of the world around you and develop critical thinking. Don't forget to share your impressions of what you've read; this will help reinforce your knowledge and connect with like-minded people.

Online classes for children are becoming increasingly popular, and it's important for educators to consider several key factors to ensure maximum effectiveness. First, it's essential to create a comfortable and safe environment for children so they feel confident and can freely express themselves. Second, it's crucial to consider each child's individual needs by adapting materials and learning approaches. Technology plays a central role, so teachers should be familiar with modern tools and platforms for online learning. Furthermore, engaging with parents is becoming increasingly important, as they can support children throughout the learning process. Finally, regular feedback will help educators monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to the educational process. These aspects will help create a productive learning environment and facilitate successful online learning for children.

Organizing a classroom broadcast is not particularly difficult technically, but the teacher noted that some students lack the necessary conditions for comfortable learning at home. This is influenced by various factors, such as internet speed and family circumstances (for example, having younger siblings makes it difficult to concentrate). Teachers also face certain challenges: they must adapt their lessons to the new conditions, find ways to maintain student attention and interest, and ensure interaction with them despite physical distancing. This requires additional effort and a creative approach to the educational process. The biggest challenge for me is having to simultaneously monitor the screen and the class. One eye is focused on the screen, and the other on the students, to determine who is working, who is struggling, and who needs help. This requires significantly more energy than simply sitting in front of a computer or in front of a classroom where you can establish an effective energy exchange with students.

Mikhail emphasized the positive aspects of hybrid learning. For example, students at the lyceum where he teaches demonstrate excellent self-organization and collaboration skills. They independently use tablets to broadcast lectures to classmates in self-isolation. Digital interaction tools are also helpful for students who find it difficult to speak in front of the class, both in person and online. The teacher found a way to support these students by encouraging them to write their thoughts in the chat instead of verbally responding. This creates a more comfortable learning environment and promotes active participation by all students.

When I study online and sit in front of the computer, I can simultaneously follow the chat messages and listen to the information. However, when I'm in the classroom, this becomes significantly more difficult. In such a situation, I need to simultaneously pay attention to the presentation, interact with the audience, and check the chat messages. However, after the lesson, I can return to the chat conversations and see how the students responded to what was happening. This allows me to understand that they were engaged in the process, listening, and actively working.

Reading is an important aspect of our development and education. It not only broadens horizons, but also helps improve critical thinking skills. Books, articles, and other literary works allow you to immerse yourself in new ideas and concepts. Regular reading helps improve your vocabulary and develops your imagination, which is especially important in today's world. It's important to choose a variety of sources to gain a complete understanding of the topics you're interested in. The more you read, the more knowledge you gain, which in turn has a positive impact on your professional and personal life. So, make time to read and enjoy the world of literature.

Asynchronous learning offers many advantages that make it attractive to students and teachers. First, it provides flexibility in time management. Students can plan their own learning, choosing the appropriate time to study materials and complete assignments. Second, asynchronous learning accommodates a variety of learning styles. Each student can move at their own pace, which promotes deeper understanding of the material.

A third advantage is access to a variety of resources. Online courses often include videos, articles, and interactive assignments, which help expand your horizons. A fourth advantage is stress reduction. Students don't feel the pressure of having to adhere to strict timelines, allowing them to focus on the quality of their learning. Finally, asynchronous learning fosters independence and responsibility. Students learn to manage their time and take initiative, which is an important skill in the modern world. Thus, asynchronous learning is an effective and convenient format that promotes better knowledge acquisition and the development of key skills. How EdTech Helps in Hybrid Learning The teachers who participated in the discussion successfully adapted to the new learning environment and did not experience significant technical difficulties. However, these examples, unfortunately, remain the exception.

Daria Ostrovskaya, head of the "Knowledge Measurement" project at Uchi.ru, shared the results of a study that revealed that a significant number of teachers lack the necessary skills to effectively use online resources and modern technologies in the educational process. This even applies to popular tools such as interactive whiteboards, Zoom, and Teams. A lack of knowledge about how to use these technologies can negatively impact the quality of instruction and interaction with students. Training teachers to use digital tools is becoming an important task for improving the effectiveness of the educational process.

Reading is an important part of education and personal development. It helps broaden horizons, improves analytical and critical thinking skills. Reading also helps develop imagination and creativity, allowing you to immerse yourself in new worlds and ideas.

Books, articles, and research provide access to a variety of information, which helps you better understand the world around you. Regular reading also improves vocabulary and writing skills, which is especially important in today's society.

To get the most out of reading, choose literature that matches your interests and goals. Remember to share your impressions of what you read and discuss books with others, which will help deepen your understanding and perception of the materials.

Reading is not only entertaining but also enriching, making us more educated and knowledgeable. Start reading today to discover new horizons and possibilities.

Teaching in Any Context by Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey, and John Hattie offers modern approaches to teaching that are applicable in a wide variety of settings. The authors emphasize the importance of adapting educational methods depending on the context and needs of students. They emphasize the importance of actively engaging students in the learning process, as well as the need to use data to evaluate and improve educational practices. This book will be a useful resource for educators seeking to improve their teaching effectiveness and ensure a high-quality education for all students.

According to the survey, over 60% of teachers reported the need to rewrite their lesson plans. These materials worked well in the in-person format, but proved ineffective in the remote learning environment. Furthermore, organizing the learning process remotely also presented numerous difficulties: some students forgot about classes, others did not connect to lessons, and some simply had schedule conflicts due to lunch breaks. These challenges highlight the need to adapt educational approaches to the new conditions and more thoroughly prepare for remote learning.

To support teachers in organizing remote learning, the Uchi.ru platform developed the "Virtual Classroom." This tool includes video conferencing and schedule planning features, and provides access to a database of interactive assignments and a virtual whiteboard. All these features help to effectively conduct distance lessons and improve interaction between teachers and students.

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EdTech in modern schools: current state and development prospects

In recent years, educational technologies, or EdTech, are becoming an integral part of school education. Schools around the world are actively integrating digital tools and resources into the learning process, improving the quality of education and increasing student engagement. The use of online platforms, interactive applications, and educational videos helps teachers diversify lessons and make them more accessible to students.

Today, EdTech offers a variety of solutions, such as virtual classrooms, learning management systems, and adaptive educational technologies. These tools not only help students develop the skills necessary for the 21st century but also allow teachers to track progress and individualize learning.

The prospects for EdTech in school education look promising. With the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning, educational technologies will become increasingly personalized. In the future, we can expect the emergence of new learning formats that will take into account the individual needs and abilities of students. This will create the opportunity for a deeper understanding of the educational material and improved academic performance.

Thus, EdTech is not only changing the approach to learning in schools but also opening up new horizons for education as a whole. The integration of technology into the educational process will continue to evolve, offering students unique opportunities for learning and self-improvement. For older students, this new environment remains somewhat unfamiliar, and they are still learning how to navigate it. Mikhail Plovets noted that they feel "abroad." At the same time, the younger generation they work with grew up in this environment. These students were born with smartphones in their hands and are capable of simultaneously interacting with both online and offline formats. They lack the difficulties faced by organizers and teachers, highlighting the difference in perception and adaptation to modern technology. Kirill Prudnikov, head of pedagogical practices programs at Skillbox, is well aware of the challenges teachers face. During the transition to distance learning, he worked as a social studies teacher at a school. During this period, Kirill and his colleagues adapted the schedule, developed protocols for interacting with students during remote learning, and supported senior teachers in mastering digital technologies. These efforts helped create an effective educational environment despite the challenges associated with the transition to a remote format.

Kirill, a teacher with extensive experience, notes that despite excellent classroom management skills, many teachers struggle to adapt their materials and practices to the online format. What seems simple to those who have worked with digital technologies for a long time can be a serious challenge for those encountering IT for the first time without prior training. It is important to develop teachers' skills in the field of digital learning to ensure a high-quality educational process in the context of distance learning.

Experience in the education sector and an understanding of the real-world challenges teachers face formed the basis for the creation of the free course "How to Teach Online: Tools for Teachers." This course was developed for the Higher School of Economics by Skillbox methodologists in collaboration with experts from Yandex.Uchebnik, Foxford.Uchitelyu, InternetUrok, Miro, the "Teacher for Russia" program, and the Rozetka educational bureau. The course includes five modules covering the digital resources, services, and skills needed by modern educators. At the moment, about one and a half thousand teachers from 68 regions of Russia have completed it, which indicates its relevance and demand in the educational process.

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Lessons learned from distance learning: the experience of teachers from

Regions

Distance learning presented an unexpected challenge for many teachers, especially in smaller towns and villages. This experience opened new horizons and demonstrated how creativity and innovation can transform the educational process. Teachers in rural areas adapted to the new conditions, using available technology and finding ways to maintain connection with students. They learned how to effectively use online resources, organize virtual classrooms, and maintain student engagement.

The stories of these teachers demonstrate that even with limited resources, significant success can be achieved. They not only mastered new teaching formats but also developed skills that will serve them well in the future. Lessons learned during distance learning will form the basis for further development of education, allowing teachers to integrate new methods into the traditional teaching process. These examples are inspiring and highlight the importance of innovation in education.

Kirill Prudnikov highlighted an important challenge teachers face in distance learning: online platforms and tools are quickly losing their appeal to students. For example, an online voting tool may initially generate interest among students, but over time they become accustomed to it, and it becomes less effective. Prudnikov observes that the longer a teacher works, the less often they use various online tools, eventually returning to traditional methods such as a blackboard and chalk. This highlights the need for diversity in teaching approaches and constant updating of teaching methods to maintain student interest. Online platforms should focus on developing tools that can create interesting events while retaining user attention. This is essential for maintaining audience activity and engagement. Experts emphasize that the key to the successful functioning of such platforms is not only the creation of events, but also their diversity to avoid routine and boredom among users. Will Hybrid Learning Become the Norm? While teachers explore the possibilities of the digital space, online tool developers offer solutions that do not always meet the real needs of educators. Many experts note that problems arise not from a lack of technical resources or a shortage of necessary skills, but because digital learning requires a rethinking and sometimes complete change in the forms of interaction with students. Schools are moving from the traditional hierarchical system, where the teacher explains material at the board and students passively take notes, to a more horizontal model. In this new system, students actively interact and collaborate with the teacher, both in the classroom and remotely. This transition to a modern educational model requires time and effort to adapt, but it opens up new opportunities for developing critical thinking and teamwork skills in students.

• What experts say about the real digitalization of schools
• Research: 87% of teachers have digital skills
• When EdTech is useful for schools, and when it is not so
• What good things the terrible distance learning has taught us: teachers' stories