Hybrid learning: the potential and challenges in management education.

After the initial disruptive effect of COVID-19 on higher education when many institutions were forced to go online, 'hybrid learning' with simultaneous online and face-to-face delivery has emerged alongside offline (in-person), online and blended learning.

This PDW defines hybrid learning as 'simultaneous learning delivery to offline and online audiences', which is distinct from blended learning, in which a planned combination of online and offline learning is delivered to a single audience. Hybrid learning is evolving into a mainstream approach within higher education, especially when learners are affected by lockdowns and travel restrictions, or desire flexibility in location. Therefore, hybrid learning is an important emerging research area from both theoretical and practice perspectives.

This PDW looks at a range of learning activities within management education where hybrid approaches have been introduced. In many ways China is a ‘leading’ country given that there have been periodic lock-downs in parts of the country but not others, as well as the need to provide online education to international students who until recently were unable to travel to China. It shares experience related to ‘classroom’ teaching, experiential learning in collaboration with business, and extra-curricular employability activity. From this, the opportunities and challenges of hybrid learning can be identified, as well as their relevance to Chinese management education.