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@article{204587,
        author = {Yuxi Vania Shi and Sherrie Komiak and Dharini Suresh Kumar},
        title = {Implementing the Four Principles of HyFlex Teaching: Evidence from a Qualitative Study of University Instructors},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2026},
        volume = {13},
        number = {1},
        pages = {3114-3128},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=204587},
        abstract = {The growing adoption of HyFlex teaching in higher education has increased the need to understand how instructors manage the challenges associated with simultaneously teaching online and in-person students. Although Beatty's four principles of HyFlex designLearner Choice, Equivalency, Accessibility, and Reusabilityprovide a useful framework for course design, limited research has examined how instructors implement these principles in synchronous HyFlex classrooms.
This study explores university instructors' experiences with synchronous HyFlex teaching through a qualitative focus group approach. Drawing upon Beatty's four principles as a theoretical lens, data were collected from six instructors with HyFlex teaching experience and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis.
The findings indicate that Learner Choice is the most valued aspect of HyFlex teaching, providing students with flexibility in how they participate in learning activities. Accessibility and Reusability were generally viewed as achievable through existing technological tools and instructional practices. In contrast, Equivalency emerged as the most difficult principle to implement. Instructors reported challenges providing equivalent levels of interaction, engagement, and instructional attention across participation modes due to divided attention, teaching complexity, and technological constraints. The findings further highlight the importance of institutional support, including technological infrastructure, faculty training, and instructional assistance, in facilitating successful HyFlex teaching.
This study contributes to the HyFlex literature by demonstrating that the four principles are not equally difficult to implement in synchronous learning environments and by identifying Equivalency as the primary implementation challenge. The findings offer practical insights for educators and institutions seeking to improve the effectiveness, accessibility, and sustainability of HyFlex education.},
        keywords = {HyFlex teaching, educational technology, Synchronous learning, Instructor perceptions, Flexible learning environments, Qualitative research},
        month = {June},
        }