This tip is part of a series on HyFlex and synchronous teaching. HyFlex teaching is a broader model but can include livestreaming your face-to-face teaching in a synchronous format. This skill is complex, and I would suggest that using a “pre-flight” checklist, like the idea that pilots check their technology before taking off, is an essential part of HyFlex and synchronous (live) teaching. It requires intentional planning by design to support both in-person and online students equally and to have a professional session.
Failing to plan intentionally in a HyFlex environment puts learning at risk and adds stress. Students’ engagement and learning suffer without structure
A simple planning template or “run of show” helps structure class flow, balance participation, and ensures everyone has meaningful ways to engage and access the learning and technology. Clear design models good online-focused teaching: organization, access, interactivity, and good design.
Some aspects of this planning template include:
- Planning for audio and video quality control checks prior to the class or meeting start.
- Identifying who will manage what technology: instructor, online moderator(s), tech support, or student assistants. Decide who will assist with managing the chat window, helping with audio (e.g., using external microphones if the room doesn’t have ambient microphones built in), etc.
- Prepare activities that work equally well online and in-person (e.g., polls, shared docs for real-time writing or collaboration, group discussions). Build pauses or moments for engagement and check-ins for all participation modes. What will be the plan to pause instruction to do an active learning task (e.g., poll, chat window discussion) to connect those online with those in the class?
- If you are having students interact in real-time: Leverage the chat window heavily as a dialogic shared learning space. Those in the classroom can also login to the meeting to participate with those joining online. Students can volunteer to strategically assist with the chat window, and this can rotate weekly.
A “pre-flight” style checklist run-of-show (example from SFSU) before HyFlex teaching or presentations transforms potential chaos into a coordinated, inclusive learning experience. Failing to plan intentionally in a HyFlex environment puts learning at risk and adds stress. Students’ engagement and learning suffer without structure. By using a session template, faculty can create seamless sessions that support all students, no matter which modality they choose. For more information on best practices in HyFlex teaching, visit the HyFlex Learning Community online. Next week, the CRTLE Team will share more on how to do HyFlex and synchronous learning during the class or presentation.
Resource:
An example of a facilitation plan from one of CRTLE’s recent HyFlex events is below and here:
Run of Show Detailed Agenda for October 15, 2025
Regular and Substantive Instruction
12:00-1:00 PM.
Hybrid: Trinity Hall 105 & Teams
From UTA:
- Tyler Garner (Facilitator)
- Sarah Sarraj (panelist)
- Heather Arterburn (panelist)
- Christy Spivey (panelist)
Room setup:
- Chairs and/or table up front for four panelists
- Check to make sure room camera works/will get the whole panel
- Hand mic to pass around during panel questions and Q&A after
- PowerPoint parts before and after panel
- Check to see how this interferes with panel (if at all). Do we want the screen blanked behind them or a slide, etc.
CRTLE Support:
- Peggy Semingson: Introduction
- Sarah Shelton: in-room help (setup, get technology going, etc.); help facilitate mic sharing/movement and PowerPoint slides (if needed); will monitor the chat when not doing the above
- NaKesha Brown: monitor chat online; drop links, etc.
- Yousif Aloufi: monitor chat; drop links, etc.
Include a detailed minute by minute agenda (in time segments, e.g., 1:00-1:10 pm) using headings like the one below in a table:
| Time | Presenter and Activity | Chat window content: Tech notes/things to paste into the chat. Links, PowerPoint, handouts, etc. |