More Information
Basic HyFlex Set up
- Smartboard or Smart TV
- Laptop or Computer
- A good microphone
- A wide-angle webcam
- USB power-hub
- Speakers (optional)
- A computer lab (optional)
- Delivery platform (we use Zoom)
*Note: Take inventory of equpiment you already have on-site. Speak to your IT specialist for help. Use the resources and delivery methods you already have in place.
Equipment We Use
- Blue Yeti Microphone
- 1080p wide angle Logitech Webcam
- USB Power Hub – Minimum 3.0 (various brands)
- iPads and Tablets
- iPads and Tablets
- Smartboards and SmartTVs
*Note: Not all classrooms are alike. Speak to your IT specialist to determine what equipment you already have and what would be the best equipment for you to purchase.
Factors We Considered
- Which classes would benefit the most in a HyFlex learning environment
- The amount of elderly or vulnerable in the class
- Lower levels, especially Literacy, were the first choice
- The students’ ability to handle technology
- Which teachers were willing to come into the school to teach
*Note: At MLA, a HyFlex class usually has mix of online and in-person teachers
**Photo was taken pre-COVID-19
How it Works
- Form HyFLex classes according to interest and previously mentioned factors
- Student desk assignment
- Prepare digital and physical class materials
- Teach from laptop and Zoom whiteboard
- The computer lab is used for some listening exercises
- We maintain an online PBLA portfolio (on Avenue) for both in-person and online students
Assessments
- Administered in HyFlex classes? Yes!
- Students are required to keep video on at all times
- Lap-top lending library: students who only have a phone* are required to borrow a lap-top from the school
*The video functionality of a phone turns off when a file or document is opened on the phone
- Periodically, teachers have scheduled their classes to take their assessments at the school (to ensure validity of the students’ work)
Managing a HyFlex Class
- Requires teacher self awareness
- Call on both online and in-person students to comment, read sections of materials, answer questions, etc
- Online whiteboard, screen-sharing, Smartboard tools
- Eventually, the lesson prep and classroom teaching process become natural and instinctive
- Reminding students of the benefits of in-person feedback (especially for writing) and the strict Covid-19 protocols we follow can encourage them to attend in-person
- For literacy learners, keep teacher talking time to minimum. Call on students regularly. Have multiple students repeat targeted language phrases. Correct students’ writing on Smartboard
- In-person students need to talk with a clear and strong voice and sit closer to the mic