Keep this guide accessible during all hybrid sessions
Print, display on second screen, or access on mobile device
Keep visible at all times
Support Type | Contact Info |
---|---|
IT Support | |
Co-host/TA | |
Accessibility |
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 |
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" |
Each with immediate fix + alternative
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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" |
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." |
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" |
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