2 Definition and Core HyFlex Principles
Definition of HyFlex[1] & [2]?
HyFlex stands for hybrid flexible. It is an instructional approach that caters to diverse student needs by combining three modalities: class sessions and learning activities offered in-person (face-to-face), synchronously online (via Zoom), and asynchronously online (via the Learning Management System, LMS). The HyFlex model offers students flexibility in terms of modes of participation and requires instructors to design courses for this flexibility.
According to Beaty (2019), the following principles are core to the HyFlex modality:
- Learner Choice:
- Offer alternative participation modes (daily or weekly).
- Let students choose their preferred mode.
- Equivalency:
- Ensure equivalent learning outcomes across modalities.
- Design activities for all participation modes.
- Reusability:
- Capture artifacts from each mode for reuse. For example, reusing audio & video recordings from UMN
- Share in-class activities (recordings, notes) online.
- Make online student contributions available to all.
- Accessibility:
- Equip students with tech skills.
- Ensure equitable access to all modes.
- Equity:
- Equal opportunities for engagement, feedback, and questions across modalities.
Definition of HyFlex in Minnstate: Flexible, per the policy document 3.36.1.2 on media codes, delivery includes instruction, and activities are delivered both in-person and online. Students can decide—for each class or activity—how to participate from one of two modes of delivery (bi-modal) or one of three modes of delivery (tri-modal). Possible bi-modal and tri-modal options are specified upon registration. These delivery methods would be considered distance education according to HLC. Instructors design class sessions and activities that incorporate students who are in-person, synchronously online, and/or asynchronously online.