How Can A GenAI GPT Help Students Choose A Learning Mode?

One question that many new to HyFlex have is how to support students making the “best” choice they can for learning, and not just for convenience. Of course it would be nice if every student chose a learning mode for every session that would best support their learning. Alas, it seems that some times that choice is more about convenience than learning expectations.

Many HyFlex faculty and their instituions provide guidance for students who are considering or enrolled in a HyFlex course, typically on a web page, in the syllabus , or in the LMS site for the course. Are these resources read by students? Are they effective?

I built the ”HyFlex Mode Chooser” GPT interactive (chatbot) for students to use when they have questions about which mode they should choose for their learning mode in general or for a specific session. This kind of interaction might be something students are expected (required?) to explore at or even before the beginning of a HyFlex course.

Below is a sample interchange between a new HyFlex student at the beginning of a term and the HyFlex Mode Chooser GPT (built for ChatGPT 4o) with my comments about the interaction. The link to the original (not annotated) interaction transcript at chatgpt.com is  https://chatgpt.com/share/6719631f-05f4-800e-a1d3-8fa920a7eaf0

HyFlex Mode Chooser – publicly available for openai account holders (free or premium) at https://chatgpt.com/g/g-393ZBidID-hyflex-mode-chooser

Student: I’m new to HyFlex and I have three of these classes! What should I do?

ChatGPT said: Great to hear you’re starting your HyFlex journey! With three HyFlex classes, you’ll have the flexibility to choose how you participate: in-person, online synchronously (live), or online asynchronously (on your own time). Here are some steps to help you get started:

[Note: the GPT begins with a welcome and some general guidance for how to choose a HyFlex mode. This is designed for the most flexible design with three modes available throughout the course.]

Step 1: Understand Your Participation Options

Your HyFlex courses provide you with three main modes of participation:

1. Classroom (In-person): Attend the class at the scheduled time and location on campus.
2. Live Online (Synchronous): Join the class live via a web conferencing system like Zoom at the scheduled class time.
3. On Your Own Time (Asynchronous): Complete coursework online through your Learning Management System (LMS) at your convenience.

Step 2: Assess Your Situation

Which modes are available to you?

• Can you travel to campus for in-person classes?
• Do you have a stable internet connection for live online sessions?
• Do you have a quiet space for studying?

What are your preferences?

• Do you prefer real-time interaction?
• Do you like the flexibility of working on your own schedule?
• Are you self-motivated and good at managing your time?

Step 3: Evaluate the Modes

Here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of each mode:

Step 4: Make a Decision

Now that you have a clear picture of each mode, it’s time to choose!

If you choose Classroom Mode:

• Can you be on campus at the scheduled time?
  • Yes: Prepare by organizing your schedule, familiarizing yourself with the campus, and gathering any materials you’ll need.
  • No: You’ll need to pick an online option instead.

If you choose an Online Mode:

• Live Online: Ensure you have the right technology (computer, webcam, microphone) and a quiet space for learning. Plan to attend live classes at the set times.
• Asynchronous: Make sure you’re comfortable working independently, have good time management skills, and can consistently access the LMS for assignments and discussions.

Step 5: Prepare and Participate

Getting Ready for Online Learning:

• Check your tech: Make sure your computer, internet connection, and software are working well.
• Set up a dedicated study space free of distractions.
• Schedule regular, focused study times to keep pace with your coursework.
• Actively participate in discussions, whether live or in discussion boards, to stay engaged and connected with your classmates.

Final Tips for Success

• Stay flexible: You can switch between modes if your initial choice isn’t working well.
• Communicate: Keep in touch with your instructor if you’re struggling or need help in any mode.
• Stay motivated: Set goals for each week, especially if you’re working asynchronously.

If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to share them! I’m here to help you make the best decision for your learning style.

[Note: For many students this may be all the information they need. This interaction takes about 2-3 minutes including student reading time. In this sample interaction, the student is unsure about their fit for the online modes, so the interaction continues below in that direction.]

 Student: How will I know if I’m a better fit for online synchronous or online asynchronous?

 ChatGPT said: Great question! Figuring out whether online synchronous or asynchronous learning is a better fit depends on your personal learning style, schedule, and self-motivation. Let’s break down some key factors to help you decide:

1. Interaction Needs

• Online Synchronous: If you thrive on live discussions, immediate feedback, and real-time interaction with instructors and peers, this mode might be better for you.
• Online Asynchronous: If you prefer taking your time to reflect, digest material, and participate in discussions when it suits you, asynchronous learning may be a better fit.

2. Schedule Flexibility

• Online Synchronous: Requires you to be available at specific times for live sessions. If you can set aside dedicated class time each week and have a reliable schedule, you’ll likely do well here.
• Online Asynchronous: Offers complete flexibility—you can log in and complete work whenever it’s convenient. This is ideal if you have a busy or unpredictable schedule (e.g., work shifts, childcare).

3. Self-Motivation & Time Management

• Online Synchronous: Provides structure since you’ll have scheduled class times. If you find that having set deadlines helps keep you accountable, this is a good option.
• Online Asynchronous: Requires strong self-motivation and time management. If you’re good at setting personal deadlines, working independently, and managing tasks without reminders, this mode can work well for you.

4. Comfort with Technology

• Online Synchronous: Involves regular use of web conferencing tools like Zoom. If you’re comfortable with video calls, screen sharing, and chat functions, you’ll feel at ease in this mode.
• Online Asynchronous: Involves more use of discussion boards, recorded lectures, and LMS tools. If you prefer reading materials, watching videos at your own pace, and responding thoughtfully over time, you’ll likely prefer asynchronous learning.

5. Learning Style

• Online Synchronous: Best if you’re an auditory learner who benefits from live lectures, discussions, and the chance to ask questions right away.
• Online Asynchronous: Works well for visual or reflective learners who like to review materials at their own pace, rewatch videos, and take time to formulate responses.

[Note: These five factors are among the most important differences between synchronous and asynchronous learning environments and experiences. This additional information, presented in a parallel format can help many students weight their own personal pros and cons to make their participation mode decision. If not, the GPT suggests one more comparison that might be the most powerful – direct experience with each mode.]

Still Not Sure? Try This:

• Experiment: If your HyFlex class allows, try a week or two in each mode. This hands-on experience can clarify which one feels more comfortable and productive.
• Think about past experiences: How have you learned best in the past? If you’ve done well in a structured, interactive setting, you may thrive with synchronous learning. If you’ve succeeded in independent study environments, asynchronous might be a better fit.

Ultimately, there’s no one “right” answer—it’s about finding what aligns with your learning style and life situation! Would you like to dive deeper into any specific aspect of these modes?

[Note: This is all the general guidance the GPT presents. But the interaction offers to explore more aspects of the decision process to support the student in any way it can.]

Student said: Let’s try this. Ask me a few questions, one at a time, that should help me decide which mode may be best for me. I’m going to try really hard not just to choose based on convenience. That might not work out well….

[Note: This student seems to want to make a choice best fitting their learning needs, and asks the GPT for a more creative approach to providing guidance. This direction is not part of the GPT programming, but the GPT responds very appropriately in my opinion.]

ChatGPT said: Love the approach—let’s dig into this one step at a time! We’ll start by focusing on how you learn best.

Question 1:

Do you learn better with real-time interaction and immediate feedback, or do you prefer having time to think things over and respond later?

• A) I like having live discussions and getting immediate responses.
• B) I prefer taking my time to reflect and think before I respond.

What’s your answer, A or B? 😊

Student said: Well, I live the active natiure of the classroom, but I also like time to reflect. Which of these is more important?

[Note: The GPT asks for a bimodal choice, and the student responds with a more nuanced answer. The GPT continues with bimodal choice questions because a typical flowchart would work this way (decision branching in only two directions).]

ChatGPT said: That’s a thoughtful dilemma! Let’s dig a bit deeper.

Follow-up Question:

When you think back on your past learning experiences, which has been more crucial to your success:

• Having real-time conversations that help you process concepts on the spot?
• Or having time to carefully review materials and craft thoughtful responses?

If you had to pick one that truly drives your learning, which would it be?

You said: ok, real-time conversations would win out

ChatGPT said: Got it! Real-time conversations are a key driver for your learning.

[Note: The GPT receives an answer that would move the mode decision towards synchronous, but there are other factors to consider, so the questions continue.]

Next Question:

How is your schedule for these classes?

• A) Fairly predictable—I’m usually available at specific times each week.
• B) Unpredictable—my availability varies due to work, family, or other commitments.

What’s your answer, A or B?

Student said: Mostly A, but some weeks I will have conflicts. But most of the time I can make the day/time

ChatGPT said: That’s helpful! Since your schedule is mostly predictable, you could generally commit to live sessions but may need flexibility on occasion.

Next Question:

When you have a busy week or unexpected conflicts, are you able to shift your learning to a different day or time, or do you prefer to handle things as soon as possible?

• A) I can easily adjust my learning to another time.
• B) I’d rather take care of things as they come up, even if it means joining live.

What’s your choice, A or B?

Student said: I’m not sure of the logic in the question. Can you give me a “for instance”?

[Note: The student asks for clarification, since the question isn’t clear to them. Suggesting an example situation is helpful; not all students would ask for that. Student familiarity with how GPTs interact with users is helpful when they need to push the GPT for better responses.]

ChatGPT said: Absolutely, let’s add some context!

For instance: Imagine you have a sudden work meeting or family obligation during your scheduled class time.

• If you’re doing synchronous learning, you’d have to miss that live session and catch up later through recordings or notes.
• If you’re doing asynchronous learning, you could just reschedule your coursework to a different time that week.

So, the question is really about how comfortable you are with adjusting your learning schedule on short notice:

• A) You’re okay with the idea of rescheduling your learning to a different time or day that week.
• B) You prefer to handle things as planned, even if that means missing a live session and catching up later.

Does this help clarify? If so, what’s your answer?

Student said: But in my HyFlex class, if I miss the synchronous meeting I am – by default – in the asynchronous path. Isn’t that how this works?

ChatGPT said: Exactly right! In a HyFlex class, missing a synchronous session automatically puts you on the asynchronous path for that week. You always have a backup option, which is one of the best parts of HyFlex!

So let me rephrase:

New Question:

If you miss a live session, do you feel confident that you can catch up well by reviewing recorded materials and participating asynchronously?

• A) Yes, I’m comfortable catching up through recordings and discussions later.
• B) No, I really benefit more from the live interaction and struggle with catching up later.

What’s your choice, A or B?

Student said: Yes, I can catch up.

ChatGPT said: Great! You’re comfortable catching up asynchronously when needed—that’s a big plus for HyFlex.

[Note: This question and answer interaction seems to model the type of interaction a student would have with a teacher/advisor or a peer with HyFlex experience.]

Next Question:

How would you describe your time management skills?

• A) I’m pretty good at sticking to a schedule and managing my time independently.
• B) I sometimes struggle to stay on track without regular reminders or set times.

What’s your answer, A or B?

Student said: A for me – maybe a few years ago I’d be B, but I’ve learned the hard way.

ChatGPT said: Nice! It sounds like your time management skills are solid. That’s a big asset in any HyFlex environment!

Last Question:

When it comes to motivation, do you find that you’re more driven by:

• A) The energy of live discussions and interactions.
• B) The flexibility to pace yourself and work when it suits you best.

Which one aligns more with how you stay motivated—A or B?

Student said: well I like both of these, but I’d say if I had to choose, I would be A. I expect I’ll have homework to do anyway to feed my need for controlling pace and scheduling.

ChatGPT said: Got it! It sounds like you thrive on the energy of live interactions but also appreciate pacing yourself outside of class time.

[Note: The GPT has asked its questions aligned to the five aspects it introduced at the very beginning. Now it’s time for a summary and recommendation. With the summary, hopefully the student can make a more informed decision, even it is not the one the GPT recommends.]

Here’s what it all adds up to:

• You value real-time discussions, have a mostly predictable schedule, and have the skills to catch up asynchronously when needed.
• Your strong time management and motivation for live interaction make you a good fit for online synchronous learning as your primary mode.
• You can always lean into asynchronous learning when conflicts arise, but live sessions should generally keep you engaged and on track.

Recommendation:

Go for online synchronous as your main choice, while using asynchronous as a backup option when you need it!

How does that sound? 😊

You said: Wait! Hold the train 🙂 We never discussed the in-person classroom mode as an option. Why not?

[Note: The GPT was only trying to support a decision between synchronous or asynchronous mode. This is because this student asked a question about those two modes  near the beginning of this interaction: “How will I know if I’m a better fit for online synchronous or online asynchronous?” So the GPT was trying to be efficient and follow the student’s lead on the mode decision.] 

ChatGPT said: Hold the train, indeed! 🚂 You’re absolutely right—I got too focused on the online options. Let’s revisit your choice with the classroom option in the mix!

Let’s Add the Classroom Back In

Based on what you’ve shared so far:

• You value real-time discussions and the energy of live interactions.
• You have a mostly predictable schedule, so you could potentially make it to campus.
• You’re confident in catching up asynchronously if needed.

Key Classroom Considerations:

1. Do you enjoy the in-person classroom setting?
   • Is the physical presence of others and the dynamics of a face-to-face environment something that adds value to your learning?
2. Can you consistently make it to campus?
   • Does your current schedule allow for reliable in-person attendance most weeks?
3. Logistics:
   • Is commuting to campus practical for you in terms of time and effort?

If you’re open to in-person participation and can manage the logistics, it might be a strong contender for your main mode. So let me ask:

Would you prefer in-person classroom learning over online synchronous, given the same benefits of live discussion and interaction?

[Note: This question could be asked at the beginning of the GPT interaction, and in some interactions, one like it is.]

 Student said: I think if I can make it to campus, or I’m there already, I would choose the classroom. But at least half the time I’m away from the area.

ChatGPT said: That makes perfect sense! When you’re on or near campus, the in-person classroom will likely be your first choice because it offers that live, dynamic interaction you enjoy. But when you’re away from the area, online synchronous becomes your go-to, allowing you to still engage in real-time discussions.

Final Recommendation

• Primary Mode: In-person classroom when you’re on campus or nearby.
• Backup Mode: Online synchronous when you’re off-campus or have conflicts.
• Fallback Option: Asynchronous if both other modes aren’t feasible.

You’ll truly be making the most of the HyFlex model by flexing between these options! How does this plan feel to you?

Student said: I’m willing to try it out. Thanks for your help.

ChatGPT said: Fantastic! I’m glad we could work through it together. 🎉

You’ve got a solid plan that aligns with your learning style and schedule. Remember, the beauty of HyFlex is that you can adjust as you go—so feel free to switch things up if you find a different mode works better on a given week.

If you ever need more help or just want to chat about how it’s going, I’m here for you. Best of luck, and enjoy your HyFlex journey! 🚀

[Note: The GPT ends the interaction with some final words of HyFlex wisdom, like a caring faculty advisor might!]

Using interactions with technology-powered “advising” simulations like this, even though they are only text, can certainly help students make better choices about which mode to use. For those that care about factors associated with learning, this particular tool might help them think more deeply about their participation decision than a simple “How do I feel today?”

Let’s hope so!

P.S. If you try out the HyFlex Mode Chooser yourself or with your own students, please send us some feedback! hyflexlearning@gmail.com