Why you should consider hybrid learning with online AP

Blended learning and hybrid learning are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. Blended learning is about enhancing traditional in-person classroom lessons with digital resources. This approach supplements face-to-face teaching with technology, such as online quizzes, video lectures, or interactive assignments, to improve the learning experience.

In contrast, hybrid learning is a mix of in-person and online learning. Students can attend some of their classes on-site and other classes fully remotely via an online alternative provision like Academy21, for example. Learning online doesn’t mean being disconnected from the school environment: students can join their online classes from home or from a designated space within the school.

Often due to very limited alternative provision options, students may not be able to access the education they need despite a school’s best efforts. An online alternative provision is well placed to support hybrid learning models because it can provide students with quick access to high-quality learning and support that complements more traditional classroom learning. 

Importantly, online AP can be used as part of a plan to reintegrate back into the physical classroom, using live or recorded lessons to fit around medical needs or as part of a support package to develop student reengagement and confidence.  

From a school’s perspective, it is often an effective and timely early intervention that can be deployed before a situation for a student worsens, especially where the waiting lists or spaces in physical alternative provisions are significant. For example, this spring term at Academy21 we have seen over 40 students from schools across the UK with zero prior attendance now attend lessons with Academy21. We have also had over 250 students join us with persistent absence levels, who are now no longer persistently absent.  

Online AP, such as that provided by Academy21, works highly effectively when connected to schools as students blend time on site with time at home, building up to reintegration – as identified in our OFSTED report. 

Many parents, carers, and even schools, may have an idea of online education as that of pandemic times. Yet, pandemic remote learning was a temporary solution built under immense time and resource constraints. The reality of online alternative provision is very different, with teaching and resources designed deliberately for the online classroom. Here are some of the key benefits of online AP and how it can support hybrid models: 

In online alternative provision, subject expert teachers are also experts in teaching in online environments. They know the differences of learning online versus in-person and adapt teaching methods to drive the maximum engagement and ensure students absorb the content effectively.  

Online AP offers flexible timetables that will fit within your school’s own timetable and a student’s specific needs. Plus, its programmes are aligned to UK curriculums, offering continuity of learning. Because this consistent teaching is delivered on site, teacher absence or resourcing and recruitment challenges do not interrupt the student’s experience. 

Online AP allows a phased return to be more effective, because it can be completely blended with the school. From browser-based platforms to AI to live IT support, seamlessly integrated technology fits in with a school’s IT infrastructure and enables students to consistently engage with online learning within the school building.  

Specialist SEN support services complement the support schools may already have in place, giving access to specialists and additional services that fit around interventions students may be receiving elsewhere. Online classrooms are designed for collaboration online and offer multiple means of participation for students with additional needs. There is always a way for even the most anxious student to share their ideas with peers or privately with the teacher. 

Academy21 offers daily reporting via our Mentor Portal to keep schools up to date with all aspects of learning. This makes planning careful reintegration and reporting to parents and their physical class teachers highly informed. It also means that students can be recognised for their efforts just like peers.  

 Lastly, our safeguarding arrangements are designed for the online school and work alongside a school’s team and arrangements, with immediate updates and follow-up. We work collaboratively with schools to deliver the best learning experiences and outcomes to their students.  

As with any new initiative, it is important to consider who exactly you think it will work for. Hybrid online schooling can work for a huge array of students, but their needs will be unique to your context. Careful planning and realistic resourcing are needed to ensure it works effectively. 

 It is helpful for leaders to ask questions such as: 

• How will the hybrid provision be staffed on site? 

• What kind of location on site is required to ensure the environment works for those young people? 

• At what point should a student be enabled to use hybrid learning? Will it be a fixed-term solution for respite or an ‘upstream solution’ to prevent initial challenges from worsening? 

• How are you provisioning devices to ensure all students can access their lessons? 

At Academy21, we use client success stories with hybrid models to refine our services, aiming to provide a flexible timetable, comprehensive program, and guidance for successful implementation in other schools and organisations. 

Secondly, consider how you will use specialists. Students in hybrid education often have SEN or medical needs and deserve an education equal to their peers. This means high-quality teaching, regular feedback, and welfare support. However, schools may face challenges in providing these accommodations due to limited resources. 

So, Academy21 provides expert, high-quality teaching in a bespoke platform that is designed for learning online. By using a specialist online provider within your school setting, you ensure continuity in your students’ education, and minimise pressure on staffing and resources.  

Leaders want to ensure they have the right oversight to keep any use of hybrid online AP on a positive trajectory. Therefore, making sure you have a leader who is accountable for the success of the provision is key. This individual or team can work in partnership with your online provider, closely monitoring student performance and progress to ensure return on investment. The key here is to have a provider or platform that gives up-to-the lesson updates on the student’s engagement, attendance and, ideally, live lessons so the students are actively monitored. 

Online is different. Families’ views may be mixed, especially has people may have pre-conceived ideas of online education. 

Our schools feedback to us that they need to address these perception issues around online learning. Where schools assume parents/carers will understand what online ‘looks like,’ or be convinced by the technological aspects or where they assume the digital savvy of young people, there can be issues.  

Ultimately, you aim to promote behaviour change by fostering positive attitudes toward online learning. Highlighting its integration into the school community and ensuring robust IT support for seamless access to classes and materials are vital. As is eliminating barriers to learning for those students alongside ensuring leaders and pastoral staff can confidently articulate and support the plan. 

If you are interested in implementing hybrid models in your school through Academy21, reach out to our team below.