Hybrid learning in K-12 schools represents a transformative educational approach that seamlessly integrates in-person and online instruction. A dynamic model, it harnesses key benefits of both traditional classroom experiences and this flexibility of digital tools. Students engage in face-to-face interactions with educators, fostering a sense of community, while also accessing online resources to tailor their learning pace. This approach accommodates diverse learners, providing personalized pathways for students to grasp concepts at their own speeds. Hybrid learning experiences also help students build their technological proficiency, a vital skill in today's digital age, and also encourages self-directed learning. As teachers adapt their instruction, the hybrid model helps promote collaboration, adaptability, and prepares students for new, multifaceted, real-world demands. And, various tech tools can help, too.
Since the advent of hybrid learning in 2020, students have experienced a profound shift in their educational landscape. The blend of in-person and online instruction has bolstered flexibility but also posed challenges. On one hand, students have gained autonomy over their learning, adapting to digital tools and cultivating self-discipline. However, the digital divide has also surfaced, exacerbating disparities in access to technology and reliable internet. While hybrid learning involves diverse resources, maintaining engagement and combating screen fatigue remain a concern. Social interactions, however, have evolved with a mix of virtual and face-to-face interactions impacting kids' interpersonal skills. Despite regular hurdles, children have honed digital literacy and resilience skills amid this transformed educational journey that has helped to show the adaptability they need to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Like so many teachers, students, parents, and administrators, we’re uncertain about what this school year will bring, especially as school doors slowly start to reopen. Whether learning is going to be taking place in person, at home, or as part of a hybrid model, we know that we couldn’t let STEM learning opportunities fall by the wayside.
Like fellow members of the education world, we’ve realized there’s a bit more to educating the whole child than simply ensuring they have a strong foundational background in STEM. As the school year begins, STEM remains important, but we’re also committed to ensuring students have the chance to focus on social-emotional restoration.
We’re starting to learn more about the plans in the country’s largest school districts, which include remote learning, hybrid reopenings, and an attempt at full in-person education. But, there are still those educators who feel like it remains too unsafe to fully return to normal and probably plenty of others who aren’t completely comfortable with going back part-time either.
Despite so much uncertainty, there’s one thing we know for sure: We don’t want students to veer off course in terms of STEM and real-world skills development, so we’ve been working on creating custom STEAM kits that can be used to help educators teach key topics, allow students to work independently, and are conducive to different environments.
Reopening our school buildings will likely involve one of three action plans: in-person learning, hybrid learning, and remote learning. Once schools first physically closed doors in March, we did not think that things would still be in such a state of uncertainty come August, but the reality is that almost all school leaders are preparing for a back-to-school season unlike
Finding some engaging and academically stimulating solutions for children regardless of where they are learning has become the top priority for some and that’s certainly something we can support. In this week’s Tips & Tricks blog, we are taking a look at two Tech Will Save Us kits that also work well for hybrid learning in the Electro Dough and
As we continue to make new guesses as to what education could look like come fall, it’s looking more and more likely that hybrid learning will be a big part of it. Despite calls from some of our nation’s top leaders for children to return to school as coronavirus cases continue to build, it definitely doesn’t seem like a risk
State officials and education leaders are starting to announce their plans for reopening schools in the fall. While we know that students and teachers returning to the physical classroom is ideal, there are plenty of opponents to this course of action who think it will be unsafe. There are so many things for school leaders to consider as plans remain
We are uncertain about the long-term academic and social effects that this huge distance learning experiment will have on children and, of course, the emotional effects this has all had on countless K–12 educators. Even more so, in many states, they are simply uncertain about whether or not schools will be able to reopen in the fall and it’s not
As you know, everybody is doing their part to pull together resources for remote learning and that includes the companies whose STEM tools we sell on our store. Whether it’s at-home project ideas, best practices webinars, or tips for cleaning, we want to keep the learning going as best we can!
