HyFlex Modality
“A HyFlex course provides students multiple learning paths and is distinguished from other mixed modality courses by relying on individual student choice from session to session, rather than having the instructor determine the modality for any given lesson. The number of formats available to students will vary from course to course. HyFlex courses typically include a combination of in-person, synchronous online, and asynchronous online contact hours. Contact includes instruction, learning activities, and interactions (both student-student and/or student-instructor)”.
According to recommendations from the CUNY Mode of Instruction Working Group (Feb. 2022)
A HyFlex classroom generally contains three modes of instruction: In class instruction, online synchronous instruction, and fully asynchronous instruction.
A description of the modes of instruction included in HyFlex are below, including the hardware and tools needed for each modality:
In-Class
Students attend class on campus, in a physical classroom space equipped for HyFlex learning
Instructor Tools
- Classroom Space
- Mic/Sound Set-up
- Video
- Camera Screen or Smartboard
- Reliable Internet
- Access to Technology Support
Student Tools
- Classroom Space
- Computer (optional)
- Reliable Internet Access
Synchronous Online
Students attend class live via video conferencing software such as Zoom, Blackboard Collaborative, or Google Meet.
Instructor Tools
- Classroom
- Space Mic/Sound Set-Up
- Video
- Camera Screen or Smartboard
- Reliable Internet
- Access to Technology Support
Student Tools
- Computer with working mic and video camera
- Reliable Internet Access
- Quiet space to work and participate in class
Asynchronous Online
Students participate in class on their own time using a class learning management system (such as Blackboard or Google Classroom)
Instructor Tools
- Computer
- Reliable Internet Access
- Quiet space and time to design asynchronous modules and participate in the asynchronous component of the class
student Tools
- Computer
- Reliable Internet Access
- Quiet space to work and participate in class
Some instructors may choose to only run a course in two modalities. For example, an instructor may choose to run a class only asynchronously and in person, or both in-person and synchronously. Decisions regarding modalities should be based on pedagogical considerations and student need. Student choice is inherent in the HyFlex model, as each week, students should have freedom to choose which learning modality may work best for them given the instruction and activities planned as well as their own specific schedule (CAT Subcommittee on Enhancing Teaching, Learning, and Support, 2021).
