HyFlex is a combination of the words “hybrid” and “flexible,” and it aims to take advantage of online technologies and tools such as videos, applications, and educational platforms to allow students to optimize learning, have synchronous and asynchronous classes, and, in this way, choose which method to use in their learning process based on their needs, learning styles, and context.

The model was proposed by Brian Beatty in 2006, and since then the methodology has been improved with the implementation of new technologies and channels that enable the student-teacher relationship.

This author presents four important principles of HyFlex design: possibility of choice; equivalence, which means that the experiences in each format are balanced; reuse, which means that the material can be used on several occasions; and accessibility, which guarantees that all students have the opportunity to participate in the classes and use the resources (2006).

In addition, it proposes 6 aspects to be considered for the creation of HyFlex courses:

• Goals and outcomes.
• Gathering and creating content.
• Communication and expectations.
• Enabling learning environment (Beatty, 2006).

It should be clarified that this model is designed for universities to be the primary users. The country that has had the greatest opening has been the United States, as it is the place where the methodology was born. According to Horizon Report-Higher Education Edition 2014, an example of this is Ohio University, where the statistics department works with this learning model.

How to develop a class under this model?

1. Use PPT presentations and develop interactive activities that motivate students using apps and digital resources.
2. Socialize questions and allow students to develop ideas and hypotheses.
3. Send resources such as readings, videos, or podcasts before class to contextualize students with the topics.
4. Establish rules to keep control of the class.
5. Constantly evaluate the theory through challenges or real situations.

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What are the advantages of the HyFlex model?

• Flexibility in learning practices: thanks to this model, students can choose the most appropriate way to learn. In addition, time and place are no longer constraints in education.
• Personalized environment: it allows the creation of personalized learning environments, enabling an increase in student performance and results.
• Additional material: through live sessions, students can have recorded material for later review.
• Interaction between teacher and students: collaborative learning spaces are created so that students can interact more with their teacher and their peers; the classroom is no longer the only place to solve doubts.

The teacher ceases to be the center of attention and becomes a support for students: this allows them to explore and achieve their learning goals.

CloudLabs: a support for the HyFlex model.

To implement this training methodology, which emphasizes blended learning, it is necessary to consider the technological resources that will support the process. In CloudLabs, we have developed a version of our laboratories that works remotely, which means it can be accessed from anywhere in the world. Therefore, you can virtually manipulate real or physical equipment or tools available in other environments or latitudes so that space and time are no longer barriers to learn about any area of knowledge.

This type of technology is very typical of hybrid environments and allows the expansion of knowledge because the user can perform a laboratory in real-time and with physical equipment from home, making it an inclusive process to the demands of today.

This is how in CloudLabs Virtual STEM we make it possible to generate hybrid educational environments through laboratory simulations that can be performed from anywhere: the classroom, home or other space.

This is consistent with our methodology, which seeks to support the educational system by promoting student autonomy and understanding of concepts through practice.

References:

Esquivel Gámez, I. (2014). Los Modelos Tecno-Educativos, revolucionando el aprendizaje del siglo XXI.

Ingenio ;L. ¿Qué es la educación híbrida y cuáles son sus ventajas y desventajas? ingeniolearning.https://ingenio.edu.pe/blog/que-es-la-educacion-hibrida-y-cuales-son-sus-ventajas-y-desventajas/

Crambo ,(02 de diciembre del 2021) Las 5 ventajas ocultas que tiene el aprendizaje híbrido https://www.crambo.eu/es/las-5-ventajas-ocultas-que-tiene-el-aprendizaje-hibrido/

Gomez,D;Velazco,(2021) Las transformaciones digitales de las Universidades. Breve revisión de literatura Capítulo