Hybrid learning is available to Grade 10 to 12 students across the district, allowing senior secondary students to engage in class with their teacher and peers, as well as in online learning at home or school. Students attend some blocks in class with their teacher and some blocks online, with online blocks providing the flexibility to work from home, work in a flexible space in the school, and collaborate online with teachers and peers.
Unlike pandemic learning, hybrid learning is designed with intensive research and thoughtful consultation for senior students. Hybrid learning promotes and fosters creative and critical thinking skills in students, and offers the benefits of:
- flexible and inclusive environments that cater to diverse student needs, social inclusion, engagement and motivation;
- self-paced learning that allows students to learn at their own pace and revisit challenging concepts;
- interactive content that promotes student engagement;
- modern skills development for post-secondary education and the working world;
- enhanced digital literacy for both students and staff;
- modernized instructional practices to build meaningful connections and collaboration.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the purpose of hybrid learning?
A: Hybrid learning prepares students for a world of learning and work that uses technology to engage face-to-face and online. Hybrid learning supports the development of 21st-century skills that are needed to thrive in post-secondary and the world of work.
Q: Are students required to take a hybrid course?
A: Students are not required to take a hybrid course but they are available to students in Grades 10 to 12.
Q: How will hybrid learning benefit students?
A: Research shows that students in a hybrid learning environment enjoy the flexibility of face-to-face and independent learning. In addition, well implemented hybrid learning is an engaging structure for students to learn both in person and independently. The flexibility for teachers and students to learn face-to-face, online or independently offline is an opportunity for learning to be differentiated for each student’s needs.
Q: How is this different than an online course or pandemic-era online learning?
A: Online courses, like those offered at SAIL, are intended for students who are looking for completely independent learning opportunities. Online courses do not offer face-to-face blocks and often do not meet face to face with teachers. Hybrid learning is a blend of face-to-face and independent learning. Students may work independently during hybrid blocks or meet with their teacher individually or in groups both in person and online.
Q: What if a student doesn’t have a computer or device?
A: If a student is timetabled into a hybrid class and has no access to a computer or device, one will be loaned to them.
Q: What platform will teachers and students use?
A: Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Teams will be the platform used to facilitate hybrid learning. Teachers will include district-approved print and online resources to support learning in and out of the classroom. Surrey Schools One will be a repository for hybrid learning resources.
Q: Do students need to leave the school on their hybrid blocks?
A: Students may remain in the school during a hybrid learning block. Each school will have designated learning areas for students to work independently or in small groups. Students may choose to learn from home, at school in a common area such as the library or other designated space, or in the community (ie. community centre or public library).
Q: What is the profile of students that will experience success in hybrid learning classes?
A: Any student who is in Grades 10 to 12 is eligible to enroll in a hybrid class. Hybrid learning is intended to be an inclusive learning environment. Students who require additional support may need to remain on-site during online blocks to receive support from adults in the building. Students and families need to know that hybrid learning requires students to sometimes work independently and be able to manage learning during an online learning block. Students will also need to consider where they will best learn during an online block, whether it is at home, at school or in the community. Students who will be successful in hybrid learning will be able to work independently, manage time and self-motivate when working in a hybrid environment.
Q: Is Surrey Schools implementing hybrid learning to create classroom space?
A: Though hybrid learning may create space in schools, the overarching goal of hybrid learning is to prepare students for learning and work environments that depend on digital literacy skills, communication skills and critical and creative thinking skills. In addition, hybrid learning provides teachers with the flexibility to provide support to small groups and individuals who benefit from targeted instruction.
Q: How many sections of hybrid learning are we to run?
A: Each secondary school in Surrey will run one to three sections of hybrid learning in September 2025. Schools may offer more than three sections of hybrid learning in consultation with their area superintendent.
Q: What if students need help during their hybrid block and they are not in class?
A: Students in a hybrid class can communicate with their teacher during hybrid Learning blocks. This may include one-on-one or small group opportunities to meet with teachers face to face or on Microsoft Teams.
Q: Students at SAIL use Brightspace, why do we need to use Microsoft Teams for hybrid?
A: As Microsoft Teams is a structure that is already in place for teachers and students to communicate online, we will continue to use this platform. As Brightspace requires an additional per student fee for use, Microsoft Teams remains our chosen platform.
Q: What impact will AI have on hybrid learning?
A: AI is a powerful tool to support teachers in students in the learning process. AI may be used to support research and content sourcing. Demonstrations of learning (assessments) will need to consider how students can authentically communicate what they know and can do. These demonstrations may include presentations, interviews and citing aspects of learning that utilized AI (citations).
Q: Is hybrid learning optional for students?
A: Hybrid learning classes are optional for students. Through the course selection process, students may be encouraged to participate in hybrid offerings.
Q: How many times per week will students be online?
A: Hybrid learning block schedules should reflect an aggregate of three face-to- face blocks per week. As each school manages block schedules and timetables, a 2:3 ratio should be maintained. Blocks that are not face-to-face may be a combination of synchronous online, or asynchronous offerings that include small group and one-to-one support.
Q: Can in-class and online blocks be structured in separate weeks?
A: Hybrid learning schedules should include both in-class and hybrid (online synchronous and asynchronous) blocks each week. As face-to-face engagement with students supports learning, it is important to maintain in-person connections with learners.
Q: Will online blocks be synchronous, asynchronous or both?
A: Online block delivery will vary and may include synchronous online learning, small group online learning, individual online support or asynchronous independent learning. Delivery will vary depending on the needs of students and the structure of each course section.
Q: Will hybrid classes follow class size and composition?
A: All hybrid course sections will follow class size and composition language in keeping with the collective agreement.
Q: Where will teachers access resources and support for hybrid learning?
A: Resources for hybrid learning will be housed on a website dedicated to hybrid learning. Links to resources, videos, blogs and articles will be shared to support implementation. Professional learning will be offered throughout the year to all teachers.
