The Hybrid Format - How to successfully implement virtual learning formats
The Hybrid Format
One of the definitions of hybrid is “crossbreeding of two unlike cultures, traditions”, which seems a perfect fit for the goals of the first model of the second Catalyst Lab, to create a safe space for the participants to learn from one another and grow on their journey together. This first module was a mix of online conferences and in-person group gatherings. Friday and Sunday sessions took place online, while Saturday were split into 3 groups, two in-person gatherings in Basel and Zurich and one online.
Building an Inclusive and Safe Space
This unforeseen pandemic has magnified the individual's realities. It was clear that many of the Catalyst Lab participants wished to meet in person while few others were wary of the risks of the pandemic. Additionally, there were participants having to face a quarantine. The hybrid format allowed the creation of an inclusive and safe space for all. Participants who were healthy (and willing) were able to gather in small groups, strengthening their local connections while respecting the precautionary measures and everyone else could join from the comfort of their homes.
The most rewarding moment from the hybrid format came at the end of the module, while we were harvesting the participants' impressions, and someone said: “strangely enough I feel as connected to those online as much as I feel connected to those here physically next to me” (Marco Gyger - Catalyst).
Indeed what are the elements that make one feel connected to others is a topic of intellectual and academic discussion, but the fact that is possible, if well planned and adapted to the medium, has been proved true and here is how it was done.
Adapting to the medium
The module started with laying out the rules for the weekend in addition to the already agreed Dialogue Principles by the participants when they first embarked into the journey: camera on, sound off (unless you were speaking) and full attention to what was being shared.
A rhythm was achieved, by following a similar framework that of the in-person gatherings, with time for work alone, in pairs and in small groups, additionally to the large group conference format. The whole content was covered but methodologies had to be chosen and adapted to suit both - the virtual and the physical space
For example, for the Dialogue Walk, participants were paired through zoom breakout rooms. Technically the challenge was to first switch between the desktop and phone (eventually participants were let to connect through a platform of their preference such as WhatsApp). There were 15 minutes for each person to talk and be profoundly and uninterruptedly heard. This magical time allowed for deep thoughts, feelings and connections with the other to emerge, even if through headphones. This methodology proved to be useful not only to help build trust among participants and allow them to go deeper into their motivations but also to break the “zoom fatigue”, a well-known sensation after hours in front of a computer screen.
Another technique used was the Case Clinic, in which someone lays out their current challenge and the other participants in the group give a deep dive into what they hear and how they are understanding the problem. This technique was easily achieved through online breakout rooms.
One particular technique that might have had an advantage for being hosted online was the Mural Board - a virtual whiteboard where all participants can add comments and cluster them into bigger common topics, allowing to harvest the questions that pop up during the module. What can be sometimes messy, with tons of post-its laying on top of the other, found a natural fit online.
Looking ahead
The hybrid format was not only possible, but it had its overall advantages. Participants could join the conversation verbally and also in written format. It was also easy to share extra resources and add comments on the chat without much disruption to the main discussion. The breakout rooms invited equal participation among members of the group: “I really enjoyed the zoom breakouts versus live breakouts because there is an automatic “talking stick” since only one person speaks at a time and makes a deliberate choice to turn the mic on or off. I felt that this allowed for a slower and more careful pace, compared to in-person communication which can be faster and allow for more interruptions.” (Tilla Künzli - Catalyst)
While long-distance connectivity might not have been the preferred option, it proved to be possible, surprisingly presenting even some advantages.
It seems that the rampant online conferences that have invaded our lives are somewhat forcing good practices for collaboration methodologies that we are indeed aiming to achieve in each of the catalyst modules: the need of building safe space with trust and respect among participants, and the usage of the right methodologies for collaboration. Happy collaborations!
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Claudia Marcelloni has worked in science communication and innovation for more than a decade, mostly at the world’s largest laboratory, CERN leading projects such as TEDxCERN and Sparks. While working towards bridging the gap between scientific and technological development to public knowledge, Claudia grew interested in learning how these advances could be put to use for the social good. She was part of the first cohort in Social Innovation at Cambridge Judge Business School, conducting research on collaborative methodologies for social innovation labs.