Virtual education became an option widely available to students from kindergarten through undergraduate and postgraduate school in 2020. Hybrid education – in which some students learn in-person and some learn remotely – was a new reality. Many businesses followed suit by taking their events virtual or hybrid.
While hybrid learning and events offer certain benefits, they are also challenging to execute well. The education model serves as a prime example, with both educators and parents (in young students) struggling in certain respects. Companies can learn a great deal from hybrid education experiences. Below are details on the challenges and tips to ensure that hybrid events are successful.
Different Environments, Unequal Experiences
There is a widely held misconception that a live-streamed educational class or event session can deliver the same caliber of engagement as one held in-person. This is not the case. In fact, educators have reported that students who attend class in-person tend to outpace those learning from home in performance.
Onsite experiences offer distinct benefits over their virtual and hybrid counterparts, including:
- Presenters are better able to infuse statements with context, making them easier for audiences to perceive.
- The level of audience engagement with both presenters and content is higher.
- There are more opportunities to forge lasting business relationships by interacting after or between sessions and during “off” time in the evenings.
It is imperative for companies that decide to host hybrid events to make accommodations to ensure that virtual attendees are receiving the same level of education and engagement as those who attend onsite. Ideas include:
- Creating a digital space in which virtual attendees can network with each other and with their in-person counterparts
- Extending question-and-answer sessions to improve engagement
- Teaching presenters and speakers how to convey their message clearly across screens
Technology Is Susceptible to Malfunctions
There is a reason why information technology (IT) professionals are in demand: Technology, particularly high-tech software platforms, is highly susceptible to malfunctions. When glitches occur and cause lags of minutes or even hours for virtual attendees compared to their onsite counterparts, it can prove detrimental to the return-on-investment. Further complicating matters is the level of discomfort that some people – especially those in older generations – feel using high-tech products.
Providing virtual attendees with step-by-step instructions for using the platform, as well as contact information for IT assistance, will go a long way in helping them feel at ease with the software. Building or sharing a webpage for this purpose is also advisable. In addition, recording each session ensures that it is available to remote attendees to view in its entirety, even if a malfunction does occur.
The Cost of Divided Attention
Teachers have found it difficult to split their focus between onsite and offsite students. Among students learning remotely, the young get frustrated if the teacher steps out of view. On the other hand, students in the classroom get impatient when they see their teacher addressing students who are not sharing the space with them.
Educators have expressed feeling overwhelmed when they must divide their attention between the students sitting in front of them, students on screen and students communicating via a chat feature. It is all too easy to inadvertently overlook someone.
Companies can avoid this scenario during the hybrid meetings they host by appointing moderators to help the presenter keep track of virtual attendees. Ideally, each session will include two moderators – the first to watch video feeds and the second to monitor chat screens. The moderators can bring questions and comments to the attention of the presenter.
Hybrid education and hybrid events both come with challenges. There is no denying that. Fortunately, thoughtful planning by organizers of the latter can significantly improve the chances they will succeed for the business and all attendees.
Uncertain times call for creative thinking. Contact Gavel International to be inspired with solutions that connect and engage your people.
