Abstract:

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the educational landscape has undergone a profound transformation, prompting educators in higher education to seek innovative and flexible approaches to meet the diverse needs of today’s students. The paper delves into the emerging paradigm of synchronous hybrid learning, exploring its definition and highlighting its benefits through a comprehensive exploration of relevant post-COVID research.

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the essential methods, technical setups, and tools required to facilitate a comprehensive learning experience for students in both online and physical classrooms within the synchronous hybrid model. Recognizing the importance of adapting to evolving educational trends, the research aims to contribute valuable insights to educators and institutions navigating this dynamic landscape.

To gain a nuanced understanding of the student experience, we conducted semi-structured interviews with ten Master's Degree students specializing in ICT in Education and Design for Digital Learning in 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic year. Half of these students participated in lectures online, while the other half attended the physical classroom within the hybrid model. This intentional selection allows us to explore their perspectives on full engagement, interaction opportunities, essential virtual classroom tools, and suggestions for improving hybrid teaching.

The interviewed students, who are educators, possessing higher digital competencies, offer unique insights into the effectiveness of synchronous hybrid learning. Our findings reveal key aspects that contribute to the success of the hybrid model encompassing the level of student engagement, the sufficiency of interaction options, and the perceived significance of integrating specific virtual classroom tools. The respondents’ perspectives provide valuable guidance for educators and institutions aiming to refine their hybrid teaching strategies.

Key findings from the interviews are presented, offering insights that reveal the nuanced dynamics of synchronous hybrid learning. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on the future of higher education, offering practical recommendations for the implementation and enhancement of synchronous hybrid models. As educational institutions continue to evolve, understanding the student perspective becomes paramount, ensuring that innovative approaches align with the diverse needs of learners in the 21st century.

Keywords:

Hybrid learning, flexible learning, higher education.