Abstract:

The HyFlex learning model is gaining popularity as the world maneuvers through new opportunities, challenges, and changes. The creation of new online platforms makes learning and working remotely a new possibility, and the introduction of COVID-19 has led to an immediate need for this eventuality. The HyFlex learning model gives students the option of working in-person, synchronously on-line, or asynchronously on-line. This learning model delivers students a great amount of flexibility to learn at their own pace and does not bind them to a set time schedule like the traditional model. The question is, how can students working in-person, synchronously and asynchronously online receive the same quality education? And how can the furniture and products in the classroom be designed to better facilitate collaborative learning on an in-person and online platform? Literature review on this topic show that factors such as the classroom layout, and interactions between student-teacher, and among students have a large impact on a student’s participation and academic performance. Studies conducted in traditional classroom settings have found that layouts that focus attention on the instructor, while also providing room for student collaboration, results in a high level of participation leading to greater academic performance. Similarly, in a study integrating technology in discussion-based classrooms, the collaborative nature of the learning method in conjunction with the embedded technology leads to a greater understanding of the learning materials and a greater overall participation rate. The main component that has been identified to better facilitate in-person and online learning is technology. Understanding the findings of the existing models and data, this research team focused on identifying the best methods of incorporating technology into the furniture and products of classroom furniture to encourage collaboration between both in-person and online learners. This study employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods to investigate the ways that student’s participation and engagement can be achieved in a HyFlex learning environment. In this paper, the research team will discuss their research and data collection methods, data analysis based on AEIOU framework, and outcomes and conclusions of this research.

Keywords:

HyFlex Learning, Flexible Learning, Online Learning, In-person Learning, Synchronous and Asynchronous learning.