By Chris Brown

HyFlex learning in BEET program

Flexible teaching model promotes balance between personal, educational lives for students

Apr 26, 2021 | 12:57 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat College is offering a HyFlex model that emphasizes flexibility for its Built Environmental Engineering Technology (BEET) program.

The program adapted to online learning quickly during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the HyFlex model, cameras and markers are set up in the classroom to ensure the instructor is visible to everyone. With the instructor “on stage’, the cameras are another audience, with extra attention paid to making eye contact and addressing the virtual attendees as if they were sitting in the room. All students – whether face-to-face or online – are encouraged to log into Microsoft Teams so they can engage with their classmates. In addition, Classes are recorded and available to all students to watch on their own time.

Program coordinator Peter Kelly says this blended approach is the future of education as it enables all learners – whether they have to balance part-time jobs or family life, or just need flexibility in their schedules – to still get a quality education. The HyFlex approach allows students to participate in a way that is meaningful to them at the moment and puts control in their hands about how and when they receive their education.

Kelly says the software is available to students virtually and at no cost.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat and area: Dec. 13-15

8h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

Dec 12, 2024

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

Dec 12, 2024

BEET student Andrew Gendron says HyFlex has allowed him to balance his personal and educational needs.

“HyFlex learning has been beneficial because I can watch our lessons after class if I forgot something,” he says. “I had a situation this semester where I had other obligations that interfered with class time. This structure allowed me to focus on other things and catch up by watching the class later in the evening.”

Chad Flinn, dean for the School of Trades and Technology says this teaching model is a concept he feels could benefit other programs.

BEET program students gain skills in drafting, engineering technology, architectural technology, and design to create the products and places that will help drive industry worldwide.

To learn more about HyFlex or BEET, visit mhc.ab.ca/BEET.