TALON: hybrid education

Abstract

TALON – the Teaching and Learning Online Network – is a University of Calgary project made possible by the Richard Parker Initiative (RPI). TALON is a hub for critical discussion of new and emerging education approaches and tools. Born in the early stages of the pandemic, shortly following the shutdown of in-person classes across the globe, we seek to document the ongoing changes within higher education and share thoughts, ideas, and experiences about online, blended and hybrid education. TALON's initiatives include A-Z resources, monthly newsletters, interviews with academic professionals and students, in-person activations and various publications. Combined, the projects serve as an interactive lexicon for remote teaching and learning. We keep the academic community informed about current developments in the virtual classroom and connected through discussion. Questions such as: What are the opportunities and challenges with hybrid education? What equipment is needed for effective blended learning? How can face-to-face, online, and other 'out of class' activities be integrated to foster student success? What assessment methods work well in a hybrid classroom? Is hybrid learning the future of education? – are addressed and discussed.