@Eric I created this for users!

Lama Masri, Frederick Community College, MD

ContactEBONY_VANDROSS@WORLDED.ORGfor further assistance :)

Hi everyone! I'm Theresa @ Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester, MA

https://edtechbooks.org/hyflex

I like that, Ebony!

Hi everyone — Please ask questions for David to answer.

This is a great overview! David, can you remind us what combination of technology you're using and let us know, if you had unlimited resources, if you'd make any changes?

Questions for David?

David, have you tried OWLs, or SWIVLs -- Classroom robot cameras ?

David - Can you share more about the different example scenarios where you have seen success for these different technologies working together?

One of my ESL providers is using OWL cameras and have already been able to re-engage some students.

I've recently started using an OWL camera, but I haven't found it to be a huge benefit to what we were using before. I'm still figuring out all the settings though.

I was also going to mention the OWL. :-) It doesn't have the con of being a permanent installation. It's portable. But, it's pricy.

Hi everyone, We're demoing the Cisco Webex Touch 10s in some of our Mesa classrooms. Love them so far!

David, have you run into problems with remote learners being able to hear what’s going on in the classroom and, if so, what have you done to address them?

There is a similar tracking product for Zoom Rooms. I am in the process of getting those set up, but the supply chain has been an issue!

We use webcams at Hubbs Center in St. Paul, MN.

We will be looking at the OWL and SWIVL (as soon as they get here!) at Hubbs.

What was your experience with bandwidth having students with cameras and stream on in the classroom?

We had difficulty with keeping them all on in the school but everything was fine when we were all remote.

With the student tracking camera - does it zoom into the student when they are speaking?

@Jose - we had to install an additional wireless access point in the conference room to accommodate Hyflex

If you don't have the ability to acquire new technology or change the classroom set ups, would you still advise trying HiFlex models, or would it no longer be effective?

From what we have learned, the OWL or SWIVL seem like a cheaper alternative for student-tracking.

The OWL camera can move to the student who is speaking, but it takes a bit of time, so if the student isn't speaking for long time, the camera might not make it there on time. Also, my online students say they have a hard time hearing the students when they're speaking.

Would love to see a list of these tools and approx. cost

I teach adult esol and want there to be multiple conversations in groupwork etc. what tech might help me facilitate this

@Aimee, the cheapest way we have successfully done this is just getting a webcam for about $150 and a tripod. It’s not perfect, but it does work for us every day.

That would be helpful, thank you

Thank you @ Christine!

@Aimee I have been doing it for years with an external wide-angle web cam and an external mic/speaker and an existing projector. I would encourage you to look for funding opportunities because there is a lot of funding out there for technology right now.

I agree with you...I am just planning ahead as we try to change mindsets at our organization.

For all presenters, HyFlex needs not only fearless teachers, but highly skilled teachers as well; are any of you dealing with push-back regarding the workload? HyFlex requires more time, more tech, and as you say, that fearless mindset. But as some are being 'pushed' into this model, how is management dealing with the additional workload they are asking their teachers to embrace?

@Penny - great question. Also, is there any differential for teachers that instruct this way? Is there an "opt out" for those that cannot handle this?

"unbox the students!" I love that. So many meanings.

Penny - the school board in Toronto, Ontario tried it out in some adult literacy classes and there was enormous push back because of the increased workload and how difficult they found it to manage the classroom dynamic. I do not know what tech they were using. They did not expand the project.

@Heidi — before it’s too late! LOL

@Tracey, that's interesting; my biggest concern is the potential for administrators/managers to forget the student. HyFlex is MOST beneficial to learners, and as the pandemic has shown, those learners who continued their learning (gained those tech skills, accessed learning sites etc) they now expect it. It would be interesting to know what supports (if any) Toronto offered teachers to successfully implement HyFlex.

😅

Yes - I am unclear on that part. I just was in a conversation where people were reacting to the challenges. I am not sure if it was as well-constructed as what Julie is describing - it is not about the shift I think but about design and support. Enable and empower 🙂

And by Julie - I mean Jennifer 😛

Interesting chart! Looks like the lab was used most at the beginning.

How do you facilitate groupwork for esol level adult learners?

For the station rotation activity in HyFlex classroom, I'd love to hear more about how you are structuring that. Are you grouping in-person students together or is it mixed groups? Also, do you know in advance when students are coming in person?

Report card — I love this!

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Technical support has been a focus of the HYFlex discussion. The schools IT Help Desk will be in charge of supporting all these courses and it is creating a burden on an already burdened division.

Jennifer, have you or your colleagues found that using a flex model has increased either attendance or course completion?

Very good insight!

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https://edtech.worlded.org/considering-use-of-the-hybrid-flexible-model-in-adult-education/

Teachers/instructors, administrators and professional developers are invited to join. If you have questions about the Flex Models Google group, or would like to join, contact David Rosen at djrosen123@gmail.com

Those who are interested in joining the flex models Google group can email me at djrosen123@gmail.com

HyFlex in Minnesota ABE: https://atlasabe.org/news/hyflex-in-minnesota-abe-what-is-it-who-needs-it-and-how-does-it-work-part-1/

https://atlasabe.org/news/hyflex-in-minnesota-abe-what-is-it-who-needs-it-and-how-does-it-work-part-1/

To sign up for newsletter: https://edtech.worlded.org/newsletter/

Thank you, great information!