Research from Sony Professional Displays and Solutions Europe has revealed a large gap between the growing demand for hybrid flexible learning and a lack of readiness to enable its adoption across Europe.
71% of students and teachers are positive to hybrid learning, but 67% of AV professionals in higher education institutions say there is either some or a lot of technological improvement needed before it can be achieved.
With only a quarter of students in Europe currently using this learning model, technological immaturity is stunting the progress of implementing it. Institutions need to arm themselves with the right resources, training, and technologies to unlock the host of advantages that come with a more blended learning model.
Sony, in tandem with Censuswide, surveyed 1,800 students, teachers, and AV professionals in higher education across Europe (UK, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark, and Sweden) about their attitudes towards different methods of learning and the future of education. Overall, there was a larger appetite for more asynchronous classes (62%) compared to in-person (56%) and synchronous online learning (52%). In addition, two-thirds of students and teachers agreed that a hybrid/flexible learning model, when done right, creates a learning environment better suited to varied learning styles. However, there are significant barriers in the way.
Over half (51%) of AV professionals say that a lack of understanding from teachers in how to use the required technology is a big barrier to implementing this model. And 35% of teachers agree. This highlights a lack in appropriate education tech, requiring more user-friendly solutions in this space to enable students to reap the benefits of hybrid learning with easy, intuitive tech. The other main barriers cited are:
- limited resources
- institutions have other priorities
- lacking budget
The future of hybrid seems promising, with 62% of students claiming that this model benefits their learning experience in the following ways:
- managing learning alongside other responsibilities
- a greater choice of courses to attend
- better access to materials for revision or missed information
Yet, students themselves also have barriers to contend with when it comes to accessing this new way of learning. Getting the right technological equipment may be one of the biggest pitfalls for widespread adoption of a hybrid learning model, alongside difficulties using the technology, and a reduced opportunity for social interaction.
