Harford Presents on HyFlex for All! at Conference

Dr. Kari Everett, Instructional Technologist in the eLearning department, and Jessie Thompson, Instructional Specialist Adult Literacy in the Workforce and Community Education Division at Harford Community College, recently presented on HyFlex for All! at the 10^th Maryland Department of Labor Virtual Training Institute held September 16 at Harford Community College.

Their presentation highlighted the collaboration between credit and adult literacy programs to make HyFlex classes accessible to Harford Adult Literacy students—specifically those preparing for the science and social studies sections of the GED exam. They addressed how this instructional model helps reduce barriers such as transportation and childcare, while offering greater flexibility in class modality.

HyFlex, which stands for hybrid-flexible, allows students to choose whether to attend classes face-to-face or online, synchronously.

Harford Community College piloted two courses in the HyFlex format, social studies and science, for students in their Adult Literacy (GED) Program.

Here are some statistics about Harford’s HyFlex science and social studies class improvements:

Science – FY 2024–25:

• The course had a 77% completion rate.
• 81% of students who took the entrance exam for the test scored below 11^th grade level.
• 33% of students were 36 years of age or older.
• There was a 55% increase in enrollment when transitioning from traditional online classes to HyFlex format.
• Among students who passed the exam (score above 145), the average score was 153.
• The percentage of students who took the exam after completing the class rose from 12.5% to 60%.

Social Studies – FY 2024–25:

• The course had an 85% completion rate.
• 78% of students who took the entrance exam for the test scored below 11^th grade level.
• 32% of students were 36 years of age or older.
• Enrollment increased by 25% when moving from traditional online classes to HyFlex.
• Among students who passed the exam (score above 145), the average score was 149.
• The percentage of students who took the exam after completing the class increased from 38% to 70%.

Students who participated in HyFlex courses were appreciative of the flexibility this modality offers.

"HyFlex helps because I can do my classes online and not worry about finding transportation to get to my classes. This is my second time using the HyFlex model and I really like it because I work full time and don't have to worry about rushing after work to get to my classes. I also recently moved to Baltimore County, and I don't drive so this is really helpful to me, and I don't have to spend a lot of money on transportation. To pay for transportation can get really expensive and I already pay so much to get back and forth to work," said Melanie Ruddlesden.

"The HyFlex model is a great alternative to in-person classes. For me this option works best due to me not having a car or childcare. I would have to travel two hours by bus to get to the campus and two hours to get home. However, my twins enjoy seeing me attend school. They cheer when I pass the practice exams and give me big hugs when I am not successful. Being able to look over my desk and see them gives me the boost I need when I want to give up. It also gives me an online community,” said Ivorie Jones.

About Harford Community College

Harford Community College offers more than 90 affordable degree programs and 65+ career and workforce programs of study as well as a variety of noncredit community education and workforce development courses. Located on 352 acres near Bel Air, Harford Community College has been helping Harford Countians achieve their goals since 1957. For more information, visit https://www.harford.edu/.