Bridging Borders: JMU Hosts Hybrid Classroom Event

Since 2022, the University of Würzburg has been a member of the European University alliance CHARM. From September 2025 to January 2026, Würzburg welcomed students from the CHARM Master’s programme Global Challenges for Sustainability for the first time. As this interdisciplinary degree programme brings together students across several locations, hybrid teaching plays a central role. 

To support this, a new Hybrid Active Learning Classroom (HALC) was completed in Würzburg in November. The event marked the first workshop on CHARM-EU and hybrid education more broadly to be held there. 

Insights from the digital frontline 

The event featured diverse perspectives from across the alliance: 

•     The Teacher’s View: Daniel Griffin (TCD) noted that while well-designed hybrid learning can offer a superior experience to traditional in-person sessions, the transition is often exhausting for students. He emphasised the need to "chunk" lectures into 10 to 15-minute segments to maintain engagement. 
•     The Educationalist’s Perspective: Anna Granberg (Åbo Academy) introduced "Brain Breaks", short activities like forming the number 8 with the body to combat fatigue and boost cognitive function. 
•     The Teaching Assistant’s Role: Sophia Schnermann and Clara Wild (JMU) highlighted that TAs are integral to learning materials delivery, not just technical support. They recommended using explicit written instructions and addressing remote students directly to prevent "overload". 

Prioritising emotional well-being 

A significant portion of the event focused on the emotional dynamics of the hybrid space. Dr. Nataliia Lazebna presented the ACAD (Activity-Centered Analysis and Design) model, which ensures inclusive learning through "Cozy Corners" and intentional social design. To prevent burnout, the event advocated for predictable workflows, "digital buddies" to monitor chats, and frequent comfort breaks (at least 10 minutes per hour). 

Practical takeaways 

The event concluded with practical solutions for the "Blended Learning Wave," such as combining synchronous debates with asynchronous pre-reading to allow students to process knowledge at their own pace. As hybrid settings become the norm, the session's "Gratitude Wall" served as a reminder that positive attitudes are contagious and essential for building trust in technology-mediated spaces.  

Availability within the university 

The CHARM-EU Hybrid Classroom was made for CHARM-EU´s educational offerings but is open to anyone who is interested in teaching or organizing hybrid sessions there (subject to availability). The hybrid room exists in all 9 CHARM-EU-partner universities and is organized according to CHARM-EU´s Hybrid classroom model. 

The Active Learning Classroom Room of University of Würzburg is equipped with 5 pods (work stations) with separate screens. Each pod has 5 mobile chairs. The room includes a main screen, which is connected to the individual pod screens. A ceiling microphone, ambient microphones and a “catch-box” (throwable microphone) are also provided as well as two PTZ cameras that can frame both the teachers or the students and is able to track the person who is speaking. The classroom set can be modified if necessary, depending on the activities planned in the course. The room is equipped with a “cosy corner” which allows students to take a break away from monitors and cameras.   

If you need further information on the room or would like to visit it, please reach out to Katrin Niewalda or Martin Kufferath-Sieberin.