Hybrid learning at the University of Sheffield: 5 secret ingredients 

Hybrid learning is like crafting a perfect recipe. At the University of Sheffield, Wooclap is the salt that makes it all work. It seamlessly unites in-person and remote students, ensuring engagement and inclusivity for all. 

Let's dive in with practical examples from teachers and learning technologists at the university.

​​1. A hybrid experience smooth like butter 🧈

Wooclap allows real-time participation for students regardless of location. Whether students are attending a lecture in the classroom, tuning in remotely, or catching up later, the platform ensures everyone feels equally involved.

2. The cherry on top of collaboration 🍒 

Wooclap’s tools go beyond student engagement. It fosters and facilitates group activities, as pointed at by Karolina Bakalarz, Academic Skills Tutor at the University of Sheffield International College.

Sheffield’s faculty also uses it for brainstorming sessions that integrate responses from both physical and virtual attendees. The platform displays input in real time, facilitating lively and inclusive group discussions.

3. Accessibility features make Wooclap easy to crack 🍳

Since accessibility is a top priority at Sheffield, Wooclap’s usability improvements—like better button readability and colour contrast—make it easier for everyone to participate. These thoughtful updates reflect a commitment to creating inclusive learning environments.

4. Real-time feedback as the bread and butter of hybrid teaching 🍞 

With Wooclap, instructors can gauge student understanding during a lecture, whether it's in-person, online, or in a hybrid learning environment. 

By integrating tools like short quizzes or thought-provoking questions, the platform provides instant feedback that helps teachers adjust their approach to address knowledge gaps, tailor content for both in-class and remote participants, or deepen discussions for all learners.

5. Customizing lessons with ease – it’s a piece of cake 🍰

Wooclap supports a variety of question types, such as free text, diagram labelling, and word clouds, allowing educators to customise lessons to their unique teaching objectives. This flexibility makes every session interactive and tailored to students’ needs.

By bridging the gap between remote and in-person learners, Wooclap is helping Sheffield educators create a hybrid learning experience that feels whole. That's because pedagogical objectives always come first.