HyFlex Classrooms
We are happy to announce that starting with the Fall 2020 semester, SCSU will have 20 HyFlex classrooms. These spaces allow the instructor to teach from the classroom with the option for video teleconferencing that allows students to interact remotely, both synchronously and asynchronously, with the instructor and course materials. Each classroom will have a lecture capture system with a camera. Instructors can move the camera lens to capture various parts of the classroom or may chose between one of three preset views: instructor, students, or whiteboard. Students may choose to attend in-person or interact remotely for any class or portion of a class offered as HyFlex (similar to an online synchronous class) with the instructor and course materials. Faculty can record and upload class sessions for asynchronous viewing. There will be limitations on the number of students who can attend the in-person session on any given day due to classroom size restrictions. Instructors will provide more details and guidelines related to in-person and remote course attendance.
HyFlex Classroom Training PowerPoint Slides (in PDF format)
HyFlex Classroom Interface Overview Video
Adding a Video to Kaltura and Blackboard
HyFlex Classroom List
The following classrooms have been converted to HyFlex:
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DA 120 |
EN A120 |
EA 216 |
HyFlex Classroom Overview
The HyFlex Classroom is set to record all scheduled classes by default - camera video stream and any content shared on the classroom desktop computer. When the instructor uses a personal computer the content shared on the screen will not be automatically recorded. The instructor also has the ability to select one of the camera presets (instructor, students, whiteboard) or move the camera lens to a preferred viewing angle. Once the class starts, the system will automatically start recording two simultaneous feeds: the camera in the classroom and the desktop of the computer being used (if in use). The desktop feed will record everything that happens on the computer.
To provide a live feed of the class to the students attending synchronously, the instructor will have to use a video conferencing platform (WebEx, Microsoft Teams, or Blackboard Collaborate) and share the screen within that application as well.
At the end of scheduled class, the recording will stop automatically and the recording will be uploaded to the Kaltura Media space of the instructor. The instructor can then share the recording from Kaltura Media in Blackboard.
The recording can also be stopped at any time by clicking the stop recording button on the Classroom Interface Screen.
HyFlex Classroom Interface Overview Video
Adding a Video to Kaltura and Blackboard
Pedagogical Design in a HyFlex Model
Beyond the technical aspects of conducting a class in a HyFlex model, there are pedagogical aspects that need to be considered when designing your course in this environment. Here are some questions to consider:
- How will the students interact with the HyFlex model?
- Online virtual meetings using WebEx, Teams or Blackboard Collaborate should be set up as recurring meetings prior to the course starting in the fall. The link to the class meetings should be posted in Blackboard for easy student access. Once set up as a recurring meeting, the link stays the same.
- The HyFlex model provides flexibility for students to attend the lecture in person or online synchronously. Faculty can also upload recordings of the class sessions for asynchronous viewing. Faculty should establish an attendance plan for the course to make sure the number of students on-ground does not exceed room capacity.
- How will the students in the virtual environment interact with the students in the classroom?
- Students in the virtual environment may use a text chat to communicate. Identifying a student volunteer in the physical class who could moderate the chat and stimulate conversation between the students in both environments and the instructor may be beneficial. Consider providing student moderators with extra credit in the class and/or rotating the role throughout the semester.
- Establishing guidelines for the interaction between the students in all modalities would be beneficial to creating an effective learning community.
- In sections that allow students to attend the class asynchronously, how will this group of students be integrated into the course?
- The HyFlex model gives faculty the option to allow students to attend the course asynchronously by watching the recorded class and completing activities that reflect their understanding of the material. Consider designing activities that all students can participate in to enhance social presence in the course. For example, have all students, regardless of how they attend the class, respond on Blackboard to reflection questions asked by the instructor.
- How will students interact with the course?
- While students will have the option to participate in the course either in-person or online synchronously (and in some sections, online asynchronously), the common denominator for all will be the Blackboard Course shell. Therefore careful attention needs to be dedicated to both the design and content of the shell. Some things to consider are:
- All assignments and exams should be located on your Blackboard Course Shell.
- Providing access to the Calendar tool in Blackboard allows students to see all the due dates and will be able to download the calendar to their preferred device (if needed, please see the Designing a Blackboard Learn 9 Course Shell video for instructions on how to do that).
- Providing students with access to the My Grades tool in Blackboard can alleviate concerns about their progress through the course (if needed, please see the Designing a Blackboard Learn 9 Course Shell video for instructions on how to do that).
- While students will have the option to participate in the course either in-person or online synchronously (and in some sections, online asynchronously), the common denominator for all will be the Blackboard Course shell. Therefore careful attention needs to be dedicated to both the design and content of the shell. Some things to consider are:
HyFlex Training Opportunities
If teaching in one of these classrooms and would like technical training, to request one please contact the Help Desk by phone at (203) 392-5123 or by email at helpdesk@southernct.edu.