Classroom of the Now - Hybrid Learning

Introducing the Classroom of the Now

The “Classroom of the Now” is rooted in two essential points: that a “classroom” can take many forms and “now” can change at any time. From a tactical IT perspective, the Classroom of the Now requires strategic solutions that adapt seamlessly to these realities.

We break down the Classroom of the Now into three distinct learning structures with multiple learning spaces in each. These structures may change fluidly. One day could see a classroom setup fully in-person or fully remote, while the next day necessitates a change to a hybrid scenario. It is imperative for the classroom to support this needed flexibility without undue onus on teachers, students, or IT staff.

Even in the post-COVID world, hybrid learning solutions offer great potential to limit learning loss from sick days, simplify group collaboration across a dispersed campus, and more.

Let’s take a look at the three learning structures.

The Whole Class Environment

In the whole-class environment, all students and the educator are engaged in the same activity or content at the same time. Whether in-person, remote, or hybrid, the need for voice amplification and visual accessibility and clarity takes center stage.

For example, a student in the back of the room may not be able to hear the educator or other students clearly. A teacher writing on a whiteboard may be blocking the view of content on that whiteboard for some students. These situations open the door to students disengaging from the learning experience, losing confidence, and weakening connections to peers and teachers alike.

The simple addition of speakers and microphones that project voices or a digital whiteboard that enables every student to see what a teacher is writing in real-time, draws students in, builds confidence, and strengthens connections to deepen learning. Conversations take on a more natural and dynamic feel.

The Small Group Collaboration

Class projects or small group activities afford students rich opportunities to learn from each other and build social connections. The Classroom of the Now enables these group collaborations even while other students work independently or one-on-one with educators. Enabling multiple learning modalities to happen simultaneously again highlights the need for visual and audio connections when students are in dispersed locations. For in-person collaborations, equipping students with a tablet stylus that can write on peer devices opens up a whole new world of creativity and interactivity.

The Personal Learning Space

The personal learning space in the Classroom of the Now takes individualized learning to a new level by letting students work at their pace or in the way they work best. Blocking out background noise in the classroom with a headset enables the focus needed for this space while also allowing other students to work independently or in small groups in the same environment.

Some learning apps, like those used for language learning, require students to speak and record their voices. A headset with an integrated microphone allows this and gives students the confidence that their speech will be accurately recorded and graded.