Hybrid-Flexible Learning Environments Increase Accessibility without Sacrificing Student Engagement or Grades

Hybrid-Flexible Learning Environments Increase Accessibility without Sacrificing Student Engagement or Grades

What is this Research About?

Hybrid-flexible (HyFlex) learning environments allow students to attend class in-person or online. These environments are important to students for flexibility and accessibility, but instructors may worry about their effect on student engagement and success. One learning platform that can be utilized in HyFlex environments is Echo360, which includes features like lecture replays and embedded active learning activities. In this study, the researchers surveyed students’ experiences with and perceptions of Echo360. They also compared engagement scores and final grades between students who mostly attended classes in-person or online in two HyFlex courses that used Echo360.  

What did the Researchers Do?

Students in a large undergraduate science program completed a survey about Eco360 near the start of the semester. They answered questions about their experience with Echo360, the appeal of its features, and their flexible learning needs. As examples, students could disclose their accommodations, commuting requirements, or employment commitments. The researchers also implemented a HyFlex format in two courses. Students could attend class online or in-person, and could change their attendance mode from class-to-class. All students, regardless of how they attended, participated syncrohnously on Echo360, where they followed the instructor’s slides and participated in active learning activities. Students’ attendance and participation in interactive slides contributed to an engagement score. 

What did the Researchers Find?

Most students with previous experience with Echo360 thought it improved course accessibility (~92%) and was easy to use (~90%). Students often rated lecture replays as the most helpful feature (~86%). Almost all the students with a flexible learning need found Echo360 beneficial (~99%).  
 
The researchers did not find a difference in engagement scores or final grades between students who predominantly attended class online or in-person. They found a moderate relation between student engagement and final grades. Students who were more engaged tended to receive higher grades, regardless of how they attended class. 

→ How to Implement this Research in Your Classroom

Virtual teaching and learning were prominent during the pandemic. As classrooms return to in-person, many students with flexible learning needs would still benefit from hybrid-flexible (HyFlex) learning environments. However, instructors may be concerned about student engagement and success. In a pre-pandemic survey, students reported that Echo360, a learning platform that instructors can use both online and in-person, is helpful and easy to use. Furthermore, students’ engagement and final grades were similar across both attendance modes. Instructors can use platforms like Echo360 to enable students to attend classes in-person or online. Students can participate synchronously (e.g., follow along during lectures) and asyncrhonrously (e.g., watch lecture replays). 

→  Citation

Adeel, Z., Mladjenovic, S. M., Smith, S. J., Sahi, P., Dhand, A., Williams-Habibi, S., Brown, K., & Moisse, K. (2023). Student engagement tracks with success in-person and online in hybrid-flexible course. The Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.5206/cjsotlrcacea.2023.2.14482

→  Keywords

  • Hybrid-flexible learning environment
  • HyFlex
  • Virtual education
  • Accessibility 

Creative Commons by logo This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Canada License

Snapshot Writer: Simonne Mastrella

Snapshot Publication Date: 2025

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