Hybrid learning aka as mixed mode

 As Aotearoa New Zealand navigates through the very stormy sea of the Covid-19 pandemic, omicron has arrived and cases are increasing rapidly across the last few weeks. My institute has beed planning ahead for the onslaugth with plans for 'mixed mode' learning being initiated this week as student and staff cases are diagnosed.

Hybrid learning is the term often used and Derek Wenmoth has produced a guide for the schools sector. He proposes hybrid learning as the seamless delivery of learning, across both school (f2f) and virtual (online) spaces. The degree of learning in each 'space' varies as to the discipline and circumstances.

At my institute, we use blended/hybrid learning in a similar way, but to avoid confusion, have used the term 'mixed mode' to differentiate the current approach. That is, to support learners who are unable to attend f2f sessions if they have to self-isolate at home for a couple of weeks. It is tricky to balance the needs of f2f learners when a small number of learners are unable to attend physically, but require access to learning. Shifting everyone online is one solution but with a large segment of our programmes, hands-on practice-based learning is difficult to be continually offered online. Therefore, there needs to be a way to bring learners into the training workshop/studio/salon/kitchen, whilst they are stuck at home. 

Now the country has shifted to 'red phase 3' self-isolation is only required for very close contact. That is people living together in the same household. With this provision, there will be less need for learners to 'self-isolate'. However, cases will rise and affect many more people. Learners with mild symptoms will likely still need to be provided with access to learning, so mixed mode might be with us for a while (sigh). This week will be a watershed time as we see how the case numbers move and what effects these have on learner attendance. We may yet have to shift many programmes to fully online rather than try to rely on mixed mode.