Connected or Hybrid Classrooms: What’s best for your school?

As technology becomes more prevalent in classrooms, new terms have emerged to describe how teachers use digital tools. Two popular terms are hybrid classrooms and connected classrooms. But both combine in-person and digital learning, don’t they? So, what sets them apart?

Though often used interchangeably, these terms have distinct meanings. If you’re considering introducing digital learning in your school, here’s a simple guide to understanding these two models' differences.

What are Hybrid Classrooms?

Hybrid classrooms employ a teaching method where students and teachers are usually in separate locations. The term became popular during the pandemic as a way to meet social distancing needs. In this model, both students and teachers join lessons and activities online, often from their homes.

How do Hybrid Classrooms work?

In hybrid classrooms, all activities and assignments are hosted online using the school’s chosen platform. Even though everyone may be apart, hybrid learning often includes live videoconferencing, recorded lessons, or occasional in-person sessions based on the situation.

This model lets some students attend in person while offering pre-recorded lessons for those who can’t.

For instance, a teacher in a hybrid science class might plan a lesson on weather patterns. Students can join in person to take part in hands-on activities, while those at home can watch recorded videos, complete guided tasks, and follow along at their own pace.

Benefits of Hybrid Classrooms

The hybrid classroom model blends the strengths of in-person and tech-enabled learning, offering benefits for both students and teachers. Students gain the personal interaction of face-to-face teaching while also enjoying the engagement and expanded access to digital tools.

Hybrid teaching can also make some tasks more efficient, saving teachers time. For instance, using laptops for online tests in the classroom allows the software to grade many questions automatically, reducing the grading workload.

This model adds flexibility to keep learning consistent. In the past, snow days or other school closures meant students missed lessons, and districts had to schedule make-up days. With hybrid learning, teachers and students can shift lessons online, avoiding lost time and extra school days.

Hybrid classrooms also open the door to unique learning experiences. Teachers can invite a guest zookeeper from miles away via video call or take students on virtual museum tours. These activities enrich lessons and cater to students with different learning styles.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Classrooms

Hybrid classrooms can be challenging for students who struggle with self-directed learning or lack reliable internet and technology.

Educators may also face difficulties balancing the needs of both in-person and online teaching. This can sometimes lead to differences in the quality of lessons, creating an inconsistent experience for students.

What are Connected Classrooms?

Connected classrooms combine traditional face-to-face teaching with online materials that students access at their own pace.

In this model, students and teachers are usually in the same physical space. However, students can use online resources to reinforce what they learn in class. This self-paced approach is a key feature of Connected classrooms.

How do Connected Classrooms work?

Connected classrooms often follow a “flipped classroom” model that incorporates e-learning. Students engage with materials like readings, videos, and quizzes at their own pace, both in and out of the classroom.
These activities don’t replace in-person lectures they enhance them. Class time is used for discussions and interactive activities that build on the material students have explored independently.

Connected classrooms typically meet five days a week, just like traditional ones. Technology is used to provide extra resources that support lessons. For instance, during a unit on poetry, a Connected English class might discuss sonnets in person one day. Later, the teacher could assign readings of famous sonnets and an online quiz to reinforce the lesson.

Benefits of Connected Classrooms

The connected classroom’s biggest advantage is that it lets teachers use classroom time for interactive activities. With limited time together, students and teachers can focus on hands-on lessons, group work, and assignments where teachers are present to guide and assist.

Research shows that Connected learning positively impacts student achievement. Combining virtual learning with in-person sessions makes classroom time more meaningful and provides students with more opportunities for direct teacher support.

75% of students surveyed said they found Connected learning interesting. Today’s students are comfortable with digital tools and often prefer learning basic concepts through e-learning.

Digital platforms also offer diverse ways to absorb information, such as videos, text, or audio. This flexibility helps students engage with content in a way that matches their learning styles.

Disadvantages of Connected Classrooms

Connected classroom combines technology with traditional classroom teaching, but it can be challenging for teachers to implement effectively. Educators must carefully plan lessons so that the online and in-person components work together to improve the learning experience, not disrupt it.

This approach also demands more technological resources, such as apps, software, and equipment. These tools often require time, training, and financial investment to use successfully.

Differences between Hybrid Classrooms and Connected Classrooms

Although these learning models share many similarities, the key differences can lead to very different learning experiences. The way technology is used and how students interact with the class are what set these models apart.
In Class Learning

A hybrid classroom uses technology as the primary way for students to learn, with video conferences, online activities, and assignment submissions. There is little to no in-person class time.

In the Connected classroom, technology plays a supporting role, enhancing the in-person lessons. This extra learning can take place both in and outside the classroom, with class time reserved for hands-on activities and teacher interaction.

Flex-Learning Environment

Hybrid learning offers more flexibility than Connected learning. While Connected learning typically requires in-person classes on a fixed schedule, hybrid environments let students and teachers participate from anywhere.
Teaching Methodology

Connected class offers a consistent approach since all students are in class at the same time. Often using the "flipped classroom" model, focuses on active, in-class work.

A hybrid classroom, on the other hand, typically combines multiple methods. Teachers must manage both virtual and in-person students separately to meet their different needs.

Tech-Friendliness

Hybrid learning incorporates technology into the classroom, using tools like video conferencing to connect remote students. Schools may also provide laptops to ensure all students can access lesson materials.

Connected classrooms also use technology in the classroom, but its main focus is on enhancing in-class learning. Students can expand their understanding by using additional digital resources outside of class time.

Student Accountability

Connected learning depends on students taking responsibility for completing online tasks like reading, watching videos, and working with learning materials outside of class. Students must be self-driven to engage with these resources, learn from them, and ask for help when needed.

In contrast, hybrid learning offers a different kind of flexibility. While students may not have as much control over learning the material, they can choose when and where to log in, as classes are mainly asynchronous.

What is best for your school: Hybrid Classrooms or Connected Classrooms?

To determine the best learning model for your district’s schools, it's important to explore the differences between hybrid and Connected learning. Your decision will depend on your student's needs, the unique challenges your district faces, and the available resources.

1. Access to Resources and Robust Infrastructure

The way technology is integrated into student learning depends on what your school can access. In hybrid learning, for example, students often need laptops, as not all families have the necessary technology at home.

In Connected learning, students also need access to computers outside of class, but this need is less pressing than in hybrid models. Schools can provide access through on-campus computer labs and libraries or by offering computers and Wi-Fi at home.

2. Diverse Student Learning Styles and Needs

Different student groups have different needs. When planning to integrate virtual learning into your classrooms, consider the specific needs of your students.

For instance, hybrid learning may not be ideal for students who struggle with self-guided learning. This model might not be as effective for younger students or those in special education classes.

3. Learning Outcomes and Goals

What goals do you hope to achieve by introducing hybrid or Connected learning in your school? Considering how these teaching models align with your overall vision for students can help guide your decision. For instance, if your goal is to provide class access to students who can’t attend in person, hybrid learning might be the best option.

Engaged Students, Empowered Teachers

No matter which learning model you choose, integrating digital learning can improve accessibility, meet the diverse learning needs of students, and help address teacher shortages. By reading this article on hybrid vs. connected classrooms, you've already taken the first step.

If neither hybrid nor connected learning seems like the right fit for your district, LIVE teaching might be the solution.

Developed by experienced educators, Schoolnet’s teacher training helps fill teacher shortages and provides new class options by bringing qualified teachers directly into your classrooms.