The Role of Hybrid Learning in Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals
ABSTRACT Hybrid learning combines digital learning resources with conventional education approaches to expand educational offerings. While this approach has shown promise in addressing limitations of both online and in‐person instruction, significant challenges remain in ensuring equitable access and sustainable implementation. This study examined hybrid learning's relationship with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) framework through a scoping review analyzing evidence from academic literature ( n = 80) and reports from 36 global educational organizations. Our analysis identified 90 potential synergies (54%) and 45 challenges (26%) across social, economic, and environmental dimensions. The findings were analyzed under three main areas: (1) equity promotion through reduced geographical and socioeconomic barriers, (2) crisis response support during disruptions like pandemics and natural disasters, and (3) capacity building opportunities in workforce development. Based on these findings, we propose the SDG‐Hybrid Learning Alignment Framework, including a new SDG Target 4.8 (Digital‐Resilient Education) to guide hybrid learning initiatives. This framework emphasizes infrastructure standards, teaching competencies, equitable resource access, and institutional crisis continuity. Results suggest successful implementation requires integrating digital infrastructure with pedagogical approaches while considering local contexts and institutional capabilities.
Authors
- Lara Bartocci Liboni (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4729-7943)
- Seiji Isotani (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1574-0784)
- Luciana Oranges Cezarino (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5556-8275)
- Ranilson Paiva (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0894-751X)
- Diego Dermeval (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8415-6955)
- Ibsen Mateus Bittencourt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6543-143X)
- Ig Ibert Bittencourt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5676-2280)
- Flávio Pinheiro Martins (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9452-722X)
- Geiser Chalco Challco (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4163-4803)
- Leonardo Brandão Marques (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4993-4587)
- Alan Silva
Institutions
- Western University (CA)
- Ca' Foscari University of Venice (IT)
- Universidade de São Paulo (BR)
- Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (BR)
- University College London (GB)
- Universidade Federal de Alagoas (BR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Sustainable Development
- Published
- 2025-02-07
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.3374
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Smart Cities and Technologies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.27
Funders
- Harvard University
- Imperial College London