In response to the pandemic, some courses will be delivered in “hybrid mode” (a class of mixed online and in-person students). This hybrid environment can be new because unlike traditional teaching, instructors now need to emphasize more on bridging the physical classroom and online learning space closer together to create a more complete learning experience for students. Here is some information to get us ready for hybrid teaching.

A. Creating a better learning environment for online students to feel like they are a part of the class

In general, each classroom or lecture theatre is equipped with a desktop computer, dual monitors (one of them is a movable touch screen monitor), 2 webcams (one faces the instructor, while the other one is a 360-degree rotating camera that captures the classroom view), and a microphone on the instructor’s desk.

The 360-degree rotating camera provides you with convenience and flexibility in showing the classroom view to the online students. You can switch between the 2 cameras using the Video function of Zoom to share live demonstration or to capture the classroom view, this helps create a better learning environment for online students to feel like they are a part of the class. (Reminder: Disable virtual background if you want to capture the classroom view, because the virtual background blocks the classroom view).).

Some lecture rooms may have more advanced equipment such as auto-tracking camera, wireless microphone, visualizer etc. To find out the available equipment in your lecture room, please refer to this “Room Equipment Summary”, and the procedures of using the auto-tracking camera can be found in Section C, “Auto-tracking camera in Lecture Theatre” on this page.

B. Communicating with students before the class

Before the start of the new Semester, you can connect with your students using the Moodle LMS. Students who are enrolled in your course(s) will receive emails when you post an announcement in your course via Moodle.

Remind all students the lecture will be conducted in “hybrid mode”. Students who choose to attend in person are required to bring their own computing devices and headsets/earphones, because they may later be engaged in online activities such as using educational tools, reading online materials etc.

C. Scenarios of a “hybrid” class

Here are some tips for you to pay attention to during different situations in a hybrid class. Tips for students are also included here so that we can be clear about the students’ perspective too. Feel free to share them with your students as well!

Step 1: Enter the classroom

Instructor

  1. Turn ON the AV system
  2. Start “Zoom” through the Moodle course
  3. MUTE all participants in Zoom to avoid echo and audio feedback (when scheduling a Zoom session, you can also set all participants to “Mute upon entry”):

  4. Set up “Audio” in Zoom: choose “Line in” to enhance audio quality experienced by Zoom participants
  5. Turn ONthe projector and lower the screen
  6. Invite students to be your assistants to help with running the class if needed. These student assistants can help with, for example, monitoring the Chat, being co-hosts on Zoom

In-person student

  1. Be ready to join Zoom via the Moodle course when suggested by the instructor
  2. Turn “Video” ON in Zoom and MUTE the audio when you do so

Online student

  1. Join Zoom via the Moodle course before the starting time
  2. Turn “Video” ON(Enable virtual background) and MUTE the audio
  3. Plug in and wear headset or earphone properly

Step 2: Greet the class and create a welcoming atmosphere

Instructor

  1. Greet the class
  2. Inform students before you switch on the camera to capture the classroom view
  3. Facilitate greetings among in-class and online students

In-person student

  1. Greet your instructor and classmates in the physical classroom
  2. Greet the online classmates
  3. Assist instructor in Zoom classroom management when asked

Online student

  1. Turn “Video” ON in Zoom
  2. Wave hands or use Zoom emoji to greet your instructors and classmates

Step 3: Use “Share Screen” to present lecture & enable lecture recording

Instructor

  1. Present your lecture materials on the instructor’s PC in the classroom
  2. “Share Screen” on Zoom to present your teaching materials
  3. Make sure the shared screen is projected on the classroom screen
  4. A full-screen presentation may block your view of the Zoom “Chat”. Adjust the size of the display window accordingly
  5. Move the “Chat” to the side, so that it will not block the presentation
  6. “Record””-ing your lecture enables students to review the presented concepts and to prepare for assessments. Click “Record” on Zoom and choose “Record to the cloud” when the lesson is ready to be recorded
  7. The recorded lecture video can be uploaded and stored in both theZoom Portaland the Panopto video system, you can also share the video link later in your Moodle course. (Please refer to the “Video Upload and Share link in Moodle” section on this page).
  8. The lecture can go on according to your lesson plan.

In-person student

  1. Ensure you are able to see clearly the instructor’s presentation projected on the classroom screen and the instructor’s movement
  2. Feel free to inform your instructor if you spot any problem

In-person student

  1. Ensure you are able to see clearly the instructor’s presentation on Zoom and other necessary views such as the instructor’s face
  2. Feel free to inform your instructor if you spot any problem