Hybrid learning is here to stay—Gen Z demands flexible, tech-enabled education. Smart AV tools boost engagement and solve key challenges in hyflex classrooms.

By: John Hulen, Vertical Marketing Director

I often wondered if hybrid learning was a temporary fix. A stopgap for a world in crisis. But years later, the data tells a different story: Gen Z isn’t going back. They’re wired for digital-first education.

One of my college professors postulated that Sir Isaac Newton’s third law of motion was wrong – when it comes to cultural and technology trends. While in science it’s true that, “For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction,” that is far from the observed truth when it comes to cultural or technological trends. My professor argued instead, “For every action, there is an overreaction.”

In other words, during COVID, there was an action to quickly adjust nearly all learning to remote, socially distanced in-person, or hybrid learning of some sort. Once the pandemic subsided, there was an overreaction to revert to traditional in-person learning with some institutions wanting a full return to the classroom. But this overreaction dismissed the benefits of hybrid learning methods learned during that period. Furthermore, it exposed the fact that 21^st-century students resisted the shift back to only having in-person experiences – even at institutions which pride themselves on the in-person experiences they offer. While we have witnessed increases in the preference of in-person experiences again, the statistics are beginning to reflect student demand for convenient learning methods and flexibility will never revert to pre-pandemic levels.

Data on Hybrid Learning

The “2025 Students and Technology Report: Shaping the Future of Higher Education Through Technology, Flexibility, and Well-Being” from EDUCAUSE found that between 2023 and 2025 there was an increase in respondents who have taken hybrid courses at their institutions. Of those students who have taken hybrid courses, about 94% of them have taken between one and six hybrid courses since enrolling (Figure 8 pg. 20 of pdf).

With this new normal in mind, the discussion of technology requirements to match the learning methods has become much more important and considerably more nuanced. For example, benefits to students who have participated in hybrid and hyflex learning include:

• Easier access to class content
• More personalized learning
• Scheduling flexibility
• Skill development for the modern workforce

These hybrid models also bring several benefits to the institution, such as:

• Increased efficiency for resources and campus spaces
• Wider reach for students located in various geographical locations
• Convenience of online platforms for content delivery
• More time for in-person activities, like problem-solving and discussions

Overcoming challenges with technology

It is also important to acknowledge some of the challenges of hybrid learning.

Challenges for students

• Self-discipline and time management skills
• Balancing in-person and online assignments
• Reduced social interaction
• Technical issues

Challenges for colleges and universities

• Increased core course planning
• Proficiency with digital tools and hybrid instructional methods
• Split attention between in-person students and online attendees
• Tracking engagement of online learners

Reduced social interaction and tracking engagement of students in hybrid courses are two of the most significant difficulties. When used correctly, modern AV technology can mitigate these challenges. For hybrid and hyflex courses, providing a natural viewing experience by utilizing automated camera framing techniques is key to increasing engagement and interaction. In the past, many institutions used a wide shot of the front of the classroom for remote students to see. This wide shot would try to frame the lectern and anywhere the instructor might wander, including in front of whiteboards or chalkboards.

With such an experience, remote students can miss important information or content. Remote students can feel like they do not have the same experience as in-person participants. Engagement suffers dramatically.

By using camera technology, which can intelligently and automatically provide the best view of the classroom, institutions can offer dramatically better learning experiences for remote students and can focus on scalable solutions for all different types of spaces on campus. Features such as presenter tracking, preset zones, group framing, and Q & A mode provide simple ways to increase engagement while improving remote students’ feeling of social interaction.

Top Considerations for Hyflex/Hybrid Technology

It’s understandable that some administrators might push back on using more technology in every learning environment on campus. Therefore, a measured, prioritized approach would be advisable when implementing new technology into learning environments. Sometimes, the costs can be prohibitive, and there is no need to install technology which will not be fully utilized. When considering whether your hybrid or hyflex space needs to use intelligent camera technology, here is a short list of tips to increase interaction and engagement:

5 Tips to Provide the Best Hyflex/Hybrid Experience

1. A wide shot which captures the whole front of the room means that the instructor is too far away. Make sure remote students can see the instructor closely and clearly.
2. Concepts and notes on a whiteboard are not legible for remote students. Be certain what is written on the whiteboard can be seen easily.
3. Don’t make the instructor worry about where she can move or where to stand. Utilize intelligent video technology that adapts to whatever the instructor is doing.
4. Engagement and feeling socially connected suffer when remote students do not feel like the instructor is speaking to them. Use a close enough camera shot for remote students to feel included.
5. If the furniture in a learning space might be configured in different ways, the camera should be able to recall other settings.

I love having these hybrid and hyflex discussions with institutions. It’s fulfilling to see those aha moments happen when I talk through Crestron’s automated multicamera solutions or share our ready-made hyflex room designs.

Now is the time to start exploring these systems to boost student engagement and enrollment for the upcoming project season. You can download our hyflex room design or browse the full index of room designs for technology inspiration across all of your campus spaces.

Learn more about how Crestron partners with higher education institutions to build smarter, more flexible, and more sustainable learning environments.