HYBRID TEACHING: QUICK FIXES

Keep this guide accessible during all hybrid sessions
Print, display on second screen, or access on mobile device

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

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Support Type Contact Info
IT Support
Co-host/TA
Accessibility

BEFORE YOU START (60-Second Check)

Quick pre-session verification

Check Point Your Action Look For
VISIBILITY "Can everyone access visual content in a way that works for you? Cameras are optional." • Varied access methods
• No camera pressure
AUDIBILITY "If you can hear me, give a thumbs up, type YES in chat, or signal however works for you" • Multiple response types
• All responses valid
PARTICIPATION "Let's test our response options - respond using any method: voice, chat, reactions, or gestures" • All channels working
• Choice validated
ROOM VIEW "Remote participants, can you see/sense what's happening in the room?" • Multi-modal room info
• Descriptions available
ROOM AUDIO "I'll have someone speak from different positions - signal if you need alternatives" • Audio + captions
• Text summaries ready
FLEXIBILITY "Remember you can switch between video/audio/text participation anytime" • Mode-switching normal
• No justification needed

WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG (30-Second Fix)

Universal recovery protocol - Works for any situation

Step Time Action
1 5 sec ACKNOWLEDGE: "I see we have an access challenge - that's okay"
2 20 sec OPTIONS: "Here are 3 ways to continue: [list options]"
3 5 sec AFFIRM: "Choose what works for you - all options are equal"

COMMON PROBLEMS & QUICK FIXES

Each with immediate fix + alternative

Can't Hear

Quick Fix Alternative
"Audio is one option - chat and reactions equally valued" Start with multi-modal as norm
Monitor all channels simultaneously Set up dashboard view
Read chat contributions aloud Establish this practice early
Pause for text responses Build in response time

Can't See

Quick Fix Alternative
Verbally describe all visual content Practice narration skills
Share materials in advance Pre-session distribution
Provide text summaries in chat Prepare key point summaries
Use multiple formats simultaneously Multi-modal from start

Can't Connect

Quick Fix Alternative
"If you're frozen/disconnected, you're still with us" Design for lowest bandwidth
Share key points in persistent chat Create running notes
Record for async access Set recording as default
Assign note-taking buddies Partner system from start

Can't Participate

Quick Fix Alternative
"Cameras optional - your comfort matters" Camera-optional culture
Use names/avatars for presence Normalize alternatives
Focus on voice/text participation Value all contributions
Validate all presence modes Celebrate diversity

Can't Use Tools

Quick Fix Alternative
"Multiple ways to participate - choose what works" Built-in choice design
Always have multiple response options Plan A, B, C methods
Value all contribution types equally Consistent messaging
Time flexibility for responses Async options ready

MANAGING ACTIVITIES

Starting Breakout Rooms

Phase Inclusive Script Options Provided
Entry "Join groups via video, audio, or chat only" • Video groups
• Audio only
• Chat only
• Physical + digital mix
During "Contribute through any mode" • Speaking
• Typing
• Drawing
• Gesturing
Exit "Share work in any format" • Live present
• Chat summary
• Visual share
• Async post

Switching Between Activities

When Issue Quick Pivot Strategy
Visual Barrier Describe + Type + Share + Caption simultaneously
Audio Barrier Speak + Type + Visual cues + Summaries
Participation Barrier Speak → Type → React → Draw → Show later

When Tools Don't Work

Stage Approach
Intro "We'll use [tool], but here are alternatives if needed..."
During "Trouble? No problem - try these alternatives..."
Follow-up "Summary coming for anyone who couldn't access fully"

HELPFUL SCRIPTS

What to say when things break - How to keep everyone included

Situation Comfort Script
Any Barrier "We're experiencing a challenge. Let's solve this together with flexibility."
Access Issue "If you can't [see/hear/participate] the usual way, please [alternative]."
Tech Problem "Tech issues = creative solutions. Here are three ways to continue..."
Comfort "Your learning matters more than perfect tech. Engage however feels right."
Continuity "Everything available in multiple formats on LMS - no one misses out."

Regular Check-In Messages

Timing Message
Regular Check-in "Switch modes anytime based on your needs"
Celebrate Diversity "I love seeing different participation styles!"
No Justification "Use what works - no explanation needed"

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Core reminders for inclusive approach

Principle
Assume variability in every session
Provide choices without requiring disclosure
Value all modes equally
"Failures" = flexibility opportunities
Comfort & access > compliance

Hybrid Learning Design Toolkit | 2025 Imaginary Institute | Modified CC BY-SA 4.0

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