HyFlex (Hybrid Flexible) is an innovative teaching modality designed to make a class available to students in a variety of formats: in-person, online synchronous (through Zoom), and online asynchronous (through Canvas). UMSL is offering a limited number of these courses each semester. The faculty who teach in HyFlex must complete a set of training through the CTL as well as with Missouri Online.
The CTL is partnering with Information Technology Services (ITS) who bring expertise and partnership with faculty on policies and teaching at UMSL. This collaboration helps faculty tailor and build on what they have learned through Missouri Online’s programs for the UMSL context. This support has two major components:
1) Consultation
First, faculty will have an individual consultation with a CTL team member. These informal sessions will help faculty develop strategies for using technology in the classroom, engaging and assessing students, and integrating other HyFlex planning such as policies, syllabus statements specific to the HyFlex modality, and instructional team member possibilities. The consultation should be completed well in advance of the term when the course will be taught.
2) UMSL Classroom Support
Second, each faculty member will have a supportive practice session in their assigned HyFlex classroom with CTL and ITS team members who will help trial-run their specific pedagogical plans and classroom setup. These practice sessions will include tips on leveraging the in-room technology, maneuvering the room layout, and maximizing the pedagogical goals for class sessions. These tailored, individualized support sessions will be scheduled according to faculty availability and preference term when the course will be taught.
By combining tailored consultations with in-classroom practice session(s), faculty can realize their plans for a successful HyFlex course implementation that affords equitable engagement and access to students in all three modalities. As requested, UMSL support continues into the semester for technology support and teaching observation feedback during the course itself.