Teaching A Hybrid Math Class.

 

Many schools are having to use a hybrid set up so they can meet the needs of all the students, those who can be in class and those who cannot. In the pandemic sense, hybrid means teaching virtually at the same time as teaching to students in a face to face class.  Most of us have no idea how to do that and are struggling to create lessons that work for both situations.

In order to have a successful hybrid class, one has to teach the class in such a way as to deliver the lesson virtually and in class.  I know one teacher who set up the class so students could sign in on google hangouts or google meet so students can watch the class as she teaches it in real time but this isn't the best solution.

What is considered a better solution is to teach the lesson on the computer in either zoom or google meet while projecting the computer image on a projector or on a smart board so students in the classroom see the same exact thing those who are virtual. The other option is to rely on the webcam on a students computer.  A student in the middle or back uses their webcam to capture the class lesson and share it with the virtual students via google meet. Unfortunately, when you use a webcam, it has to be positioned properly to capture everything.  In addition, one can only really use a nice black marker on a whiteboard, otherwise students at home might not be able to see the writing. When the lesson is delivered on the computer via a project to those students in class, everyone can see the lesson better.

It is also suggested that the class be divided up into sections such as the warm-up so the teacher can take attendance, followed by a 10 to 15 minute large group instruction, a 10 to 15 minute section with breakout rooms that all students both virtually and in class can join, a 10 to 15 minute section independent/guided instruction section and the closing.  If everyone joins a breakout room, it means they are all involved.

When you use a microphone, use the smaller ones that clip to your label or can be near your mouth.  You do not want one that is too large and stationary otherwise the students at home might not be able to hear you as you move around.  Those big microphones are great if you are stationary but the often get in the way but those small ones are so much better and easier to work with, especially if you have to teach via a computer.

One of the ways to prepare a lesson is to put it on Power Point, keynote, pear deck, or near deck which are great ways to set up a full lessons including quizzes, videos, etc.  I usually use keynote because I can set it up with animation, and later I can export it as a video to which I can add voice over for later use with the students. In addition, it is best to prepare skeleton notes for students who are at home to download and then fill out during the lesson.  The skeleton notes will have some vocabulary, definitions, diagrams, and examples but with blanks students need to fill out. 

So here is one way to meet the needs of those students who must be at home while you are trying to teach to those who made it to class that day.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.