HyFlex refers to a learning methodology that allows students to choose how they engage with learning content depending on their unique circumstances and needs. With HyFlex, students can select a combination of approaches, including in-person learning or online learning, and the entire process is designed in a way that makes learning accessible to all.
HyFlex technologies involve the use of various platforms, such as conferencing tools and online meeting facilities, to deliver content to students. Here are some considerations that can help you optimize learning under this method and help you achieve your learning outcomes as an aspiring personal fitness trainer.
Understanding the HyFlex Approach to Learning
The term HyFlex is a combination of the terms hybrid and flexible, which reveals the nature of this learning methodology. Using this approach, the instructor will teach students in person through the traditional approach to learning. However, at the same time, the content is also available in real-time to students accessing it remotely via live video feeds.
This is what industry experts refer to as synchronous learning. At the same time, the content is available to learner who want to access the material at their own time and pace–known as asynchronous learning.
The choice of approach depends largely on the needs of the students. For instance, some may live or work far from the training provider, which limits them to remote access to course material. However, students without scheduling conflicts may prefer live sessions. This allows them to ask questions and interact with instructors in real-time.
On the other hand, some students may face scheduling challenges, requiring them to learn outside the designated times. In either case, HyFlex learning eliminates these barriers and provides equal access to the same curriculum content.
Understanding the Technology Involved
For institutions considering HyFlex as a teaching methodology, they need to understand the technology involved to help their students learn effectively. Institutions such as National Personal Training Institute of Florida have successfully implemented HyFlex as a teaching methodology, and we have a good understanding of some of the considerations that you should make when implementing this approach.
Strategy Matters
To help your students optimize learning through a HyFlex approach, the first step should be developing a sound strategy for the process. This means understanding why you need this approach, as well as the process and resources needed to put it in place.
Having a strategy in place will also help you understand the kind of expertise that you need to keep the system running. This includes personnel such as technical experts who are expected to install, maintain, and troubleshoot the system to guarantee optimal performance.
Audio Technology
As you can imagine, audio technology plays an important role in the implementation and use of HyFlex as a learning approach. Audio from the remote learners must be clear to the learners in class. At the same time, the remote learners must have clear access to the audio from the class.
This means placing high-quality speakers in strategic areas all through the classroom. It also means placing microphones strategically in the classroom so that sound from instructors and students in the classroom can be picked up.
Remember that the quality of the audio must be so good that even when recorded (for those learning asynchronously) must still be audible without any degradation. Keep in mind that the quality of sound is largely dependent on the type of equipment used, so research extensively to get the right equipment for your setup.
However, beyond the equipment, the acoustics of your classroom will also play an important role in this process. It is worthwhile getting a professional to help you map the sound system to help you make the most out of your audio system.
Video System
Another important aspect of HyFlex to keep in mind is the video technology that you use in your system. Just like in the case of the audio system, this process must be two-way. Remote learners must be able to view the classroom setting. Meanwhile, at the same time, the system must allow for video interaction with remote learners.
Institutions can choose different ways to implement this, but the goal is always to make this process as seamless as possible. For example, the screens must be placed in a way that allows the instructors to see remote learners, and at the same time, the remote students must have a clear view of the classroom.
Interactive Technologies
To optimize learning for their students, institutions must also make the process as interactive as possible. Learning is not just about hearing and seeing. It is also about engagement with instructors as well as with other students. This means making it possible to have quizzes, polls, and so on.
In-person students must also have access to the same technology, either using their own devices or through devices provided to them by the school. Either way, an ideal HyFlex setup allows for seamless interaction between all students involved in the process as well as their instructor.
Putting in place these mechanisms, institutions can help students learn more effectively, whether they are physically present or learning remotely. At National Personal Training Institute of Florida, we have been using the HyFlex methodology to help our students learn more effectively and increase their chances of a successful career.
Give us a call today to learn how our HyFlex approach to personal fitness training can propel you to success.
