Digital Innovation: A Pilot in Transnational Hybrid Teaching

Information technology innovation has the potential to tackle global challenges from climate change to inequality.This research examines a teaching model using HyFlex (Hybrid flexible) technology to connect university classrooms in the UK and India, providing affordable access to higher education without international travel and related emissions.Hyflex systems can enable online and on-campus academics to teach students in different locations.Data gathered shows the pedagogical benefits of this approach.Participating in transnational HyFlex courses has the potential to enhance students' adaptability, digital literacy, and cross-cultural communication skills, all valued skills in the jobs market and academia.Our survey results and pilot findings identify several key considerations for sustainable transnational HyFlex learning, including dedicated IT support, higher-quality equipment, flexible class timing and additional training.Beyond connecting international classrooms, our research suggests this HyFlex model could be readily adapted for diverse applications, including multi-site academic conferences and collaborative research projects spanning multiple institutions and underserved communities.