Lesson learned from multi-mode teaching at Leeds
In summer 2023, the Digital Education Service began delivering multi-mode teaching at the University of Leeds.
What is multi-mode?
Multi-mode teaching describes the delivery of teaching content in a classroom to both remote students and students in the room simultaneously, whilst supporting full interaction between both groups. In-room and remote students can see and hear each other and interact through standard collaborative methods (e.g. chat, polls).
Why multi-mode?
In the post-pandemic era, multi-mode teaching allows students to access flexible, inclusive teaching, delivered through digital technology. It offers an innovative hybrid teaching format that helps to engage students with their learning – wherever they may be.
Colleagues across the Digital Education Service have worked collaboratively with Education Spaces, faculty teams, Facilities, academics and students to establish a new approach to the management of these innovative teaching spaces.
Whilst it has been a large and complex operational undertaking, the positive feedback received from both academics and our student ambassadors demonstrates the value multi-mode teaching brings:
Hybrid teaching represents a transformative shift in higher education, and the Digital Education Service has been at the forefront of this exciting change. Following a successful university pilot, led by our University Education Spaces Group, we have seen firsthand how a blended approach to learning can cater to diverse student needs, fostering a more inclusive and accessible educational environment. Our Digital Education Enhancement and Engagement & Innovations teams have worked tirelessly to support both faculty and students, ensuring that the digital and physical classrooms are seamlessly integrated to provide a cohesive learning experience.
- Phil Vincent, Head of Blended Learning
How is multi-mode achieved?
Digital Education Student Ambassadors and Assistant Learning Technologists from several faculties attended training sessions to seamlessly deliver multi-mode teaching. Their role is to assist those using the multi-mode classrooms across the academic year, supporting the needs of teaching staff and students in-person and online. Hands-on training was offered to explore the capabilities of the multi-mode teaching spaces in the Worsley Building and Mechanical Engineering.
Staff feedback has highlighted the hard work and enthusiasm shown by Student Ambassadors:
What an asset the student ambassadors have been. They have been on time, remained in the room and supported with the chat comments and been an overall fabulous support. A big thank you to those who have gone out of their way to connect and answer any questions I have had.
- Multi-mode teaching staff
Student Ambassadors have also shared positive reflections on the impact of the role on their academic and professional development:
I feel that I have become more confident using technology in this role. I really love being able to learn things outside of my programme by doing this job.
- Multimode Student Ambassador
Semester 1 multi-mode summary:
- 314 multi-mode room bookings made by 17 academics
- 13 multi-mode assistants requested across 98 sessions
- Multimode hours total: 247
What’s next?
As we look to the future, our commitment to innovation and excellence remains unwavering. We are dedicated to continuously refining our practices, investing in professional development, and exploring emerging technologies to enhance hybrid teaching, ensuring that hybrid teaching remains not just a transitory trend, but a sustainable and enriching model for future generations of learners. Our goal is to empower every learner and educator to reach their full potential, making education more flexible, engaging, and tailored to individual needs.
Phil Vincent, Head of Blended Learning
If you would like to learn more about multi-mode and how you can embed it in your teaching practice, visit the Digital Education Systems Help site.