Multi Access

Katey Kyle: Multi Access is for learners

Katey Kyle enjoys teaching multi access mode because it benefits her learners. She recognizes the different barriers that exist today for learners such as family commitments, financial constraints and geographic challenges. These can be minimized or eliminated by allowing learners to attend either in person or online with everyone learning together at the same time. Katey has also noted more consistent attendance throughout the semester – whether people attend in person or online they are still attending – and learning.

By using the same technology (Canvas and Zoom) for both in person and online learners everyone is able to participate.  While teaching both online and in person at the same time is sometimes challenging, Katey enjoys the challenge, and it keeps her teaching skills current.  She is authentic with her learners right from the beginning and acknowledges that there might be some technological valleys, but they will get through them together.

One way of minimizing technology challenges is to keep things as simple as possible. Using the same technology for both in person and online learners as mentioned above is one simple strategy but another tip is to only screen share for the online learners (no camera) and communicate to the online learners about this plan. The result is less distraction and more focus on the instructional activities.  The content and participation are key, and the classroom camera may be distracting for the online learner.

Katy’s advice

• Remember the learner.
• Don’t assume the learner is a technology expert. Have resources which they can refer to regarding technology.
• Ask for help.
• Be authentic.
• Keep it simple.

Interactivity

When teaching in multi access mode, interactivity takes effort – but it’s still important. Any way where you can bring both groups together to feel as one, it is worthwhile. Consider using zoom tools like zoom polls and breakout groups to achieve this purpose – even when learners are present in both the physical and online classroom.

Communication

In multi access learning clarity and communication are important and to that end it is important to maximize the communication tools within canvas. it is important to be clear about the learning outcomes and activities and using canvas can help achieve this goal. Canvas is also useful for building community in class and facilitating learning in a variety of ways. Assignments and quizzes can help assess knowledge and Canvas also allows for social learning (Group Assignments) and co creation.

Delivery

A synchronous tool such as Zoom can be used for a variety of uses in a multi access course:  primarily to bring people together. Other purposes include, delivering content, creating small group activity, polls and other interactive exercises, facilitating learner support by holding office hours at a set time. In summary, zoom is an integral tool for multi access learning.

Resources for multi-access course delivery – Arts Instructional Support and Information Technology (Arts ISIT) (ubc.ca)

Reflections on Building & Teaching in a HyFlex Classroom at Allard Hall (ubc.ca)

Valerie Irvine_MergingModalitiesAndragogy_2020

https://youtu.be/0zddgiLVt5Y Student perspective on Hyflex

https://youtu.be/hOIXi8Ad47g?si=Gvb-4yCv2vCYJnJ_ Faculty perspective

Introduction – HyFlex Course Design and Teaching Strategies (pressbooks.pub)

HyFlex Class Checklist – Center for Instructional Technology and Training – University of Florida (ufl.edu)

Advice for faculty teaching Hyflex for the first time

HyFlex Learning Community – Building the Hybrid-Flexible Future Together

Home – HyFlex and Hybrid Learning Environments – LibGuides at Justice Institute of British Columbia (jibc.ca)

Teaching with Canvas (ubc.ca)