# Mind the Gap: Reimagining an Interactive Programming Course for the Synchronous Hybrid Classroom

**Authors:** Christopher M. Poskitt, Kyong Jin Shim, Yi Meng Lau, Hong Seng Ong  
**arXiv:** [2109.09073](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.09073)  
**Date:** 2021-09-19  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/fr/paper/2109.09073v1/

## Abstract

COVID-19 has significantly affected universities, forcing many courses to be delivered entirely online. As countries bring the pandemic under control, a potential way to safely resume some face-to-face teaching is the synchronous hybrid classroom, in which physically and remotely attending students are taught simultaneously. This comes with challenges, however, including the risk that remotely attending students perceive a 'gap' between their engagement and that of their physical peers. In this experience report, we describe how an interactive programming course was adapted to hybrid delivery in a way that mitigated this risk. Our solution centred on the use of a professional communication platform - Slack - to equalise participation opportunities and to facilitate peer learning. Furthermore, to mitigate 'Zoom fatigue', we implemented a semi-flipped classroom, covering concepts in videos and using shorter lessons to consolidate them. Finally, we critically reflect on the results of a student survey and our own experiences of implementing the solution.