Mixed Cohort Learning
The University’s Mixed Cohort Learning project is an initiative to deliver classes which some students attend face-to-face, and others online, simultaneously.
The University has undertaken a classroom refurbishment project in 2021 to support and advance Mixed Cohort Learning.  Enabled by technology and tailored space design, the MCL project takes a student-centred and ‘pedagogy first’ approach, aiming to support active learning in mixed-cohort classes, including group-based and collaborative approaches. The technology in the rooms assists online and face-to-face students in feeling as if they are collaborating in the same room.
The refurbished rooms and each have a primary room camera and microphones, as well as five group pods which each accommodate five face-to-face students connected with their online classmates by a pod-specific screen, camera, and microphone. There are other tables available to accommodate additional face-to-face students, up to a total capacity of 48 students for each room.Â
There are several use cases for MCL V2, but here’s an example of a class that could be run in these rooms. The class has synchronous face-to-face and online students. Teaching staff can present to the whole class to set the scene for a groupwork activity. Students can be separated into groups of 5 face-to-face students, with 1-5 online students (recommended) for collaborative group activities. Students in each group are able to interact easily and may choose to work on group shared documents, if required. Groups can share outcomes of groupwork and discussion with the entire class, presented by either face-to-face or online group members, projected on all screens.
Mixed Cohort Learning Teaching Spaces (V1)
The technology available in MCL V1 rooms, such as Badger LG17 and Nexus10 704, includes a screen, camera, microphones and speakers, configured so that online students are visible and audible to face-to-face students. A list of MCL V1 rooms currently available across the University, and those undergoing uplift but due to be available with ML V1 capability in Semester 1 2022 can be found here.
An example of a class that could be run in these rooms would be a class with synchronous face-to-face and online students and teaching staff engaging with students in a tutorial format. The tutorial would include active discussion, with either the tutor or individual students taking turns being the primary speaker in the class. Students in both the physical and online environments can hear and speak to one another, regardless of where they are in the room, during class discussions.
How can you learn more about the technical aspects and pedagogical benefits of Mixed Cohort Learning?
Please refer to the  for more details and resources on teaching in this mode.
As always, don't forget that the LEI Learning Designers are available to connect with to discuss the pedagogy of your learning and teaching activities. Learning Designers facilitate the exploration, design, and development of blended and online learning opportunities, including the use of MyUni and related learning technologies. Use our  to connect with your faculty Learning Designer.Â
How can you schedule these rooms for teaching?
If you are not already scheduled to teach in one of these rooms and would like to make a booking, speak to your Timetabling staff about the availability of MCL enabled rooms to best suit your intended class activities.
Story by Elektra Walter, Learning Enhancement and Innovation.