Getting Started: Orientation & Support Tools
Where should you start? What can you do immediately while planning deeper changes? The Orientation & Support Tools function as your navigation system, helping you assess where you are, decide where to go, and take confident first steps without overwhelming transformation.
Building on change management theory, technology adoption frameworks, stages of concern and adult learning principles, these tools recognize that sustainable progress comes from meeting educators where they are and providing clear pathways forward. Rather than prescribing a single path, they honor diverse contexts, readiness levels, and entry points into hybrid teaching.
What’s in this Orientation Toolkit
Self-Assessment
Comprehensive self-assessment across all three dimensions. Maps your readiness profile with reflection prompts, rubrics and tailored recommendations.
Explore Tool →Implementation Cards
3 detailed cards clarifying Essential, Enhanced, and Transformative levels.
Explore Tool →Start Here: Quick Guide to the Toolkit
What Challenge Are You Facing Right Now?
🔴 “I’m teaching hybrid tomorrow and need immediate help”
Your path: Quick fixes and in-session support
- Start with Hybrid Teaching: Quick Fixes - 60-second readiness checks
- Grab Facilitation Strategy Cards - manage attention across spaces
- Bookmark Making Hybrid Work for Everyone - handle access issues as they arise
Time needed: 10 minutes to review, use during class
🟡 “I have a few days to improve my hybrid sessions”
Your path: Design better activities and engagement
- Map your environment with Space Mapping Canvas - understand your three spaces
- Browse Activity Cards - find 2-3 activities that fit your content
- Add Community Building Cards - pick one icebreaker and one closing activity
Time needed: 1-2 hours planning
🟢 “I’m redesigning my course for hybrid delivery”
Your path: Systematic course transformation
- Take the Self-Assessment - identify your readiness level
- Review Implementation Levels - understand the progression
- Design with Activity Sequence Canvas and Activity Cards - plan full sessions
- Integrate Assessment Method Cards - align evaluation
Time needed: 4-6 hours initial design, ongoing refinement
Not Sure Where You Fit?
Answer Three Quick Questions:
1. How much hybrid teaching experience do you have?
- None → See “Essential Implementation” on any tool
- Some → See “Enhanced Implementation” options
- Extensive → Explore “Transformative Implementation”
2. What’s your biggest pain point?
- Technology not working → Start with Dimension 1 tools
- Students not engaging → Start with Dimension 2 tools
- Remote students feel isolated → Start with Dimension 3 tools
3. How much time can you invest right now?
- 5 minutes → Read one Facilitation Strategy Card
- 30 minutes → Complete Self-Assessment
- 2+ hours → Work through Activity Sequence Canvas
The Toolkit at a Glance
Three Dimensions, One Goal: Effective hybrid learning that works for everyone
| Dimension | Focus | Start With |
|---|---|---|
| 1: Environment & Technology | Can everyone see, hear, participate? | Space Mapping Canvas |
| 2: Learning Experience | Are activities engaging everyone? | Activity Strategy Cards |
| 3: Facilitation & Community | Is anyone feeling left out? | Facilitation Strategy Cards |
One Simple Rule
Start small, build confidence, expand gradually. Pick one tool that addresses your most pressing challenge. Use it. Then add another. The toolkit is modular—each piece works alone but connects to create comprehensive hybrid learning experiences.