Hybrid education is an educational modality that unifies online and face-to-face teaching.
Today, hybrid education is a teaching model that is gaining popularity; it is also known as blended learning. This educational model unifies the best of online teaching with the most valuable aspects of face-to-face teaching. For this reason, many consider it to be the most appropriate education modality in the digital era.
This modality is not new, it originated in the 1970s in several countries, mainly in the United States. Thanks to technological tools, it currently continues to be implemented. This teaching modality offers digital tools to create collaborative environments among students and receive feedback from teachers. Therefore, this type of education should be understood as a combination of classroom and virtual teaching tools and resources.
Hybrid education system
The hybrid education system combines two teaching methods. Students continue to learn in classrooms; however, they are supported by online teaching and virtual activities.
This type of education offers different learning modalities. For example, some institutions offer a one-day face-to-face course to get to know their students; meanwhile, teaching is done through videos and online assignments. Others provide online information and readings before class for students to discuss in groups when they are in face-to-face classes.
This educational model motivates students to explore, engage in innovative collaborations, and master content, information, and technology. It uses technological tools that can be synchronous and asynchronous; these allow for the exchange of information between students and teachers as if they were face-to-face.
Synchronous tools allow real-time communication, such as Zoom, Jitsi, Meet, Hangouts, etc. Communication with asynchronous tools takes place at different times, using tools such as e-mails, discussion forums, recorded audio/video, messages, etc.
It is important to note that online activities are not intended to replace face-to-face classes but to complement them.
Finally, the Universidad Internacional Iberoamericana (International Iberoamerican University) (UNIB) offers the Master in Education with a Specialty in ICT in Education.
