3 Affordable, Simple Strategies to Transform Hybrid Learning in Higher Education

Higher education classroom technology has really evolved over the years. What began as intricate and expensive projector-heavy and podium-driven classroom setups — often costing $30,000 to $50,000 per room and requiring certified programmers — has shifted dramatically. As remote learning became essential, projector setups proved to be inadequate.

Higher ed institutions pivoted to panel-based solutions that could act as meeting participants, enabling students to see what was happening in real time. The hybrid flexible (HyFlex) learning model gained traction during this transition for revenue-generating purposes because these classrooms were designed to support both in-person and remote learning simultaneously. HyFlex classrooms quickly emerged as a way of offering students the ability to learn from anywhere.

While the initial buzz of HyFlex learning models as a revenue generator has faded, its value as a tool for accessibility and continuity remains strong. Students have more choice in how they learn given that HyFlex classrooms can now cater to asynchronous learners who can determine when and how they attend class sessions.

And today’s HyFlex classrooms are simpler, more cost-effective environments that prioritize accessibility and ease-of-use, making it easier for instructors to focus more on teaching rather than handling complex infrastructure.

Even as HyFlex classrooms become more affordable with setups that can be deployed for $15K-$20K per room, IT leaders can stretch their budgets even further, especially when funding for classroom technology remains a challenge. And as some colleges and universities struggle with limited staff and resources, scalable solutions that campus IT can manage without specialized training is a plus.

By focusing on the essentials, IT leaders can reduce complexity and cost and scale more predictably across departments.

To reduce complexity and cost and deliver a consistent, high-quality learning experience, institutions must focus on three key solutions:

Not having the right audio can make or break the learning experience. Poor sound quality can hinder comprehension, making learning harder for both synchronous and asynchronous students. Low-quality audio can affect the content’s effectiveness, especially for students relying on playback of the recording.

One option to address this challenge is to invest in panels that have built-in mic arrays to pick up sound seamlessly from all areas of the room. This way, when an instructor uses virtual meeting platforms, the students can hear the presenter clearly.

Hybrid classrooms have evolved from ceiling-mounted projectors and motorized screens to panel-based solutions. These can be interactive or non-interactive displays that act as meeting participants themselves.

These panels allow remote students to see what’s happening in real time, creating a more immersive experience without the need for complex room controllers or expensive service contracts. Sidewall-mounted cameras with wide-angled views and plug-and-play setups mean less downtime and fewer support tickets, allowing instructors to focus on teaching.

Whether you are using Teams, Zoom or another collaboration platform solution, consistency is key. Faculty and students should be able to walk into a classroom and know exactly how to connect and collaborate. This minimizes troubleshooting and ensures a smooth experience for everyone.

Even with the right classroom technology, hybrid and HyFlex environments rely on robust infrastructure. Reliable connectivity and sufficient bandwidth are essential elements to support remote and in-person participation. While many institutions are well-equipped, ongoing upgrades are necessary to maintain performance and scalability.

CDW stands apart by offering a consultative and team-based approach to HyFlex solutions. We bring together specialists in wireless, AV and classroom technology to design, configure and deploy tailored modern learning environments that meet your institution’s needs. From specification to support, we ensure every classroom delivers a consistent, high-quality experience for instructors and students alike.