I continue to work on my master’s studies at UVIC, and am taking the course “Theory and Discourse on Distributed and Open Learning” while teaching part-time at an online school in BC. In class a few weeks ago, we discussed modality models that focus on merging modalities.

In the world of online learning, there are several models that merge modalities. In other words, they merge synchronous and asynchronous instructional time, the face-to-face component, as well as if the modality is open access. In the article, “The Landscape of Merging Modalities” by Valerie Irvine, a table outlines each modality model. The models discussed are: blended (hybrid), HyFlex, Multi-Access, and Blended Synchronous (Synchronous Hybrid). I recommend reading the full article if you want to learn more.

My focus today is to consider what I think the future of modality in education is. As I teach at an online school, I will focus on some of the ideas shared in “The Landscape of Merging Modalities” as the different combinations of modalities in online learning settings is a major topic that impacts my job and students. I have written about this in other posts, but I will say again, that finding the right (or even possible) balance of modalities given the available resources is a challenge. Every teacher only has so much time and access to the tools that they need to use a number of the modalities.

I think the future of education will depend on how the Ministry of Education and School Boards outline policies in online school settings. If the student-to-teacher ratios are not defined, teachers will not have enough time to build relationships and support students to the extent that is needed. In BC, a new Online Learning Policy came into effect in July 2023. There is also an Interim Online Learning Procedures Guide for 2024-2025 that is recommended to be read in conjunction with the Policy. While these documents are a great start there is a lot of work that needs to be done to ensure the resources and supports are in place for teachers and students to be successful in online environments.

At the end of the day, the future of education will be shaped by the policies in place that define the systems we work in. An area that I want to do more reading in is the School Act in BC, most recently updated October 1, 202 and this is something I will be doing in the coming months to learn more about the language on online learning in the Act.

Photo by Jaredd Craig on Unsplash.