Hybrid Learning at Scale: Digital Transformation of Classrooms

Hybrid online learning is not a new concept for Bentley University. Before the pandemic, Bentley had been delivering several graduate courses in the hybrid online format. The summer of 2020, however, transformed how hybrid online courses are delivered at our institution, resulting in a significant classroom technology infrastructure upgrade, elimination of technology assistants from the classrooms, and quick support for faculty during their live class sessions.Since our digital transformation, hybrid course delivery at Bentley is now ubiquitous. All faculty and students are aware of this model, and most have experienced this modality. During the session, we will discuss how Bentley used a combination of technologies to support hybrid online learning before the pandemic. We will also discuss how, in response to the pandemic, Bentley combined its experience in hybrid online learning with design thinking and innovative solutions to transform the classroom, A/V, and other technologies and processes to successfully deliver all courses in the hybrid modality. We will share the “why, how, and what” for picking and implementing the right technologies, best practices for involving faculty in the process, and the support model for running self-sufficient hybrid online courses. We will also share our lessons learned and our plans for further improving the teaching and learning experience.