Do All Students Benefit From The Hyflex Model?

Last week, I outlined the major points to how the Hyflex Model works. This week, I want to describe the students that I feel will benefit the most from this course delivery method. As you may have guessed, this type of course isn't for everyone.

Just like pure online learning, the Hyflex model requires students to be somewhat self-directed learners. They need to make decisions on attendance and certain aspects of participation based on how well they feel they understand the content. If someone doesn't do well in this type of environment, they probably won't be as successful as you, or they would like to be. Have your students check out the two links at the bottom of this article PRIOR to signing up for your Hyflex course. The first link will help them decide if distance learning is right for them. The second link helps them to see what kind of learner they are.

So, who is the ideal student for this type of learning? I hate to say it, but it is not the first or second year undergraduate. I think that there are too many decisions that are left up to the student. I think that most traditional aged first and second year college students are not motivated enough to have the freedom of choice. They know they need to put the time in, but there is a disconnect between knowing they should be in class, and actually going--especially if it isn't mandatory! If you are someone that teaches an upper level course, would you want students coming from prerequisite courses that may or may not of attended those prerequisite courses?

Call me overprotective, but I really think this method of course delivery should be at the very minimum, reserved for third and fourth year students. The ideal target audience is graduate students. These groups of students have a track record, and are motivated to apply themselves and do well in their chosen fields of study.

Another group that will really benefit from the Hyflex Model are those adult learners that work full-time, but need to retool, or extend their knowledge for their current jobs. This model would serve this demographic well. Again, you are dealing with a highly motivated student that may not be able to make every face-to-face meeting because of job travels or meetings. If they miss here or there, they can still do well in the class and make up for the occasional miss with the content that is posted online.

Useful links:

http://goforward.harpercollege.edu/page.cfm?p=2284

http://goforward.harpercollege.edu/page.cfm?p=2285


Stay subscribed to this blog as many of my next postings will be regarding the Hyflex Model, how to implement it, who it's good for, and tips for student success in this method of teaching and learning.