Student Experiences in an Interactive Synchronous HyFlex Design Thinking Course during COVID-19

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Student Experiences in an Interactive Synchronous HyFlex Design Thinking Course during COVID-19
Language: English
Authors: Nathan Mentzer (ORCID 0000-0001-9788-7901), Lakshmy Mohandas (ORCID 0000-0002-2953-6170)
Source: Interactive Learning Environments. 2024 32(5):1613-1628.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2024
Sponsoring Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Contract Number: 2110799
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Thinking Skills, COVID-19, Pandemics, Synchronous Communication, Equal Education, Learner Engagement, Learning Experience, Student Attitudes, Models, Instructional Effectiveness, Sense of Community, Communication Skills, Employment Potential, Blended Learning, College Freshmen
Geographic Terms: Indiana
DOI: 10.1080/10494820.2022.2124423
ISSN: 1049-4820
1744-5191
Abstract: The HyFlex learning model has gained popularity in recent years and, with the outbreak of COVID-19, the demand has increased. However, there are challenges associated with the model, especially related to equity and engagement. A HyFlex model known as Interactive Synchronous HyFlex is being developed and practised by the researchers in their introductory design thinking course. The purpose of the paper is to understand the experiences of students using the Interactive Synchronous HyFlex model. A qualitative method in the form of focus group interviews was followed in this study to better understand the student experiences. The focus group interviews were conducted during the beginning, mid and end of the semester. The resulting themes of the study are grouped into two categories: affordances and opportunities. The themes corresponding to affordances are (a) effective model, (b) flexibility, (c) sense of community, (d) ease of communication and (e) help prepare for future jobs. The themes corresponding to opportunities include (a) software learning curve, (b) online non-contributors and (c) inconsiderate face-to-face peers. The results of the study may help faculty and higher education institutions better prepare a version of the HyFlex model taking into consideration the affordances and finding better ways to incorporate opportunities.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2024
Accession Number: EJ1435198
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:The HyFlex learning model has gained popularity in recent years and, with the outbreak of COVID-19, the demand has increased. However, there are challenges associated with the model, especially related to equity and engagement. A HyFlex model known as Interactive Synchronous HyFlex is being developed and practised by the researchers in their introductory design thinking course. The purpose of the paper is to understand the experiences of students using the Interactive Synchronous HyFlex model. A qualitative method in the form of focus group interviews was followed in this study to better understand the student experiences. The focus group interviews were conducted during the beginning, mid and end of the semester. The resulting themes of the study are grouped into two categories: affordances and opportunities. The themes corresponding to affordances are (a) effective model, (b) flexibility, (c) sense of community, (d) ease of communication and (e) help prepare for future jobs. The themes corresponding to opportunities include (a) software learning curve, (b) online non-contributors and (c) inconsiderate face-to-face peers. The results of the study may help faculty and higher education institutions better prepare a version of the HyFlex model taking into consideration the affordances and finding better ways to incorporate opportunities.
ISSN:1049-4820
1744-5191
DOI:10.1080/10494820.2022.2124423