Hybrid Learning: Exploring the New Education Model

Hybrid learning is catching on. Proponents appreciate that it combines the real-world connection of in-person education with the flexibility of remote education, giving students the best of both worlds. However, it’s important for schools to consider the insurance implications of hybrid learning. With this emerging education model, you’re not just getting the benefits of both remote and in-person learning. You’re also getting the risks of both delivery methods. Here are four timely examples.

What Is Hybrid Learning?

Hybrid learning combines in-person and online learning models. Exactly how this works will depend on the school in question. The National Education Association defines hybrid flexible learning, or hyflex learning, as a model in which students can choose to participate in synchronous lessons either in-person, online or asynchronous remote lessons. In comparison, a blended learning model has students take some lessons online and some lessons in person.

In other words, in hybrid learning, students can choose the attendance method that best fits their needs, while in blended learning, all students experience both remote and in-person lessons.

However, schools may define these terms slightly differently, and the terms hybrid and blended learning are sometimes used interchangeably. Stanford defines hybrid learning as courses that include some in-person sessions and some fully online sessions. For example, students may meet in person twice a week and online once a week, and some work may be done asynchronously.

The Risks and Insurance Implications of Hybrid Learning

Regardless of the definition used, hybrid learning uses both in-person and remote learning, so it has risks associated with both models. Some of these risks may be heightened due to the nature of remote education or because resources are spread thin.

Here are four risks to watch.

1. Cyberattacks

In 2020, the FBI warned of Zoom-bombing attacks, or video-teleconferencing hijacking, in which hackers disrupt online meetings and lessons. Several reports involved schools, including an incident in which someone interrupted a remote high school class, yelled profanities, and shouted the teacher’s home address.

Other cyberattacks involve ransomware and data breaches. CNBC warns that identify thieves often target students because children have spotless credit that they can exploit.

While both remote and in-person schools can be vulnerable to data breaches, EdTech says that the remote desktop software used in many online learning platforms can be vulnerable to remote attacks, and hackers often target unsecured endpoints and passwords that are weak or reused.

What’s the insurance implication? Cyber insurance is becoming increasingly important for schools, and cyber insurers will want to see evidence of strong cybersecurity practices. School leaders may also face D&O claims alleging negligent cybersecurity practices.

2. Online Bullying

K-12 Dive reports that a New Jersey school district has agreed to pay $9.1 million to settle a lawsuit accusing the school district of negligence in failing to stop cyberbullying, leading to a student’s death. At least some of the bullying took place on Snapchat. This is one of multiple bullying negligence lawsuits that schools have faced in recent years.

Just because students may be in their own homes, this does not mean they are safe from bullying. As this and other lawsuits show, schools can be held liable for failing to protect students, even if the incidents take place on social media.

What’s the insurance implication? Schools should review their liability policies to see if they have sufficient coverage for lawsuits involving cyberbullying.

3. Student Success

CNN reports that a high school graduate is suing her school, alleging that the school was negligent in letting her graduate with honors even though she could not read or write. She says her teachers passed her onto the next grade even though she could not read or write, and by the time she got to high school, she began using voice-to-text tools to complete assignments. A similar lawsuit has been filed by another student, according to WWNYTV, who says he graduated with a 3.4 GPA even though he cannot read or spell his own name.

These cases did not necessarily involve remote or hybrid learning. However, online courses could make incidents like this more likely, both because it can be harder to monitor students remotely and because it may be easier for students to cheat. This risk is of particular concern given the rise of generative AI. Pew Research Center says 26% of U.S. teens admit to using ChatGPT for schoolwork.

What’s the insurance implication? With two recent lawsuits involving similar allegations, it’s possible that more litigation may follow. Schools should review their liability insurance to see how they’re covered.

4. Tech Devices

Not all students have computers at home, and some schools provide laptops or other devices for students to use. This obviously puts the devices at risk of property damage since students are not always very careful with their devices.

What’s the insurance implication? Check your property insurance policy for exclusions or limits that could impact coverage for devices in students’ possession.

Is your educational institution embracing the hybrid model? Make sure your insurance is keeping up. Heffernan Insurance Brokers offers insurance and risk management for schools. Learn more.