Initiating and Maintaining Collaboration in the HyFlex Environment

HyFlex teaching requires instructors to replace all in-class collaborative and interactive activities with ones that can be completed and shared in an on-line collaborative environment. Examples of software that makes material and activities accessible to all students are Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Forms, Miro, Jam Board, and Google Slides. This GIFTS emphasizes introducing free or low-cost accessible collaborative on-line apps and software packages for use by instructors for class activities. One such package is Miro. Miro is a virtual whiteboard with selections for freehand sketching, post it notes, block diagramming, and document and figure insertion. It can be used privately or shared with others for collaborative sessions. Miro also has embedded templates useful for collaborations. One example is the Empathy Map template which is useful for understanding client needs. Instructors own the whiteboards, so they can watch student progression. Jam Board is similar to Miro. Google Slides can also be used to present individual or collaborative responses to class activities. The slides do not have the flexibility of Miro and Jam Board but are useful for quick student reactions and contributions. During this presentation attendees will be introduced to collaborative activities using tools such as Miro, Jam Board, and Google Slide that can be easily modified to their teaching needs. Attendees will also be encouraged to share collaborative activities and software they have used that have been successful (through comments or active participation, depending on the accepted format). It is expected attendees will raise questions and share solutions that will aid all in improving their on-line, hybrid, hyflex, and traditional courses. Initiating and maintaining collaboration is especially important in freshman level courses where students may not have already established network connections.