HUST Pilots OMO Model to Enhance Digital Education

On March 27, the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) piloted the OMO (Online-Merge-Offline) model for the first time in a Calculus 2 class, taught by Dr. Nguyen Canh Nam, Dean of the Faculty.

105 students attentively followed the lecture in person as the instructor wrote formulas and analyzed equations on a smart board, projected onto an ultra-large LED screen with upgraded audio for the large hall. Meanwhile, 103 online learners on Teams enjoyed a nearly identical experience, seeing and hearing the lecture clearly, even tracking the instructor’s every move via smart cameras.
 

The new hybrid learning model received positive feedback from students for its visual clarity, enhanced focus, and tech integration. Even students sitting at the back, or attending online, reported strong visibility and comprehension.

“It’s more intuitive than traditional chalkboards. Our lecturer writes and draws as he explains, using color to highlight key points,” shared Luong Thi Hong Nhung, a student from Cohort 69, School of Chemical and Life Sciences.
 

“The greatest advantage of the OMO model is its ability to simultaneously deliver the same content to a large number of students,” said Dr. Nguyen Canh Nam. As general education content remains relatively unchanged over time, it is well-suited for this approach. 

While teaching methods and requirements remain consistent with traditional classes, Dr. Canh Nam acknowledged that the main challenge lies in helping instructors shift from chalk-and-board setups to tech-enabled classrooms. Still, he expressed confidence in the faculty’s ability to adapt, thanks to their COVID-era experience.

According to Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Xuan Quyen, Deputy Head of the Department of Academic Affairs, in-person foundational courses with class sizes of 100-200 students present challenges in management, student engagement, and resource allocation. Implementing the OMO model can optimize classroom use, personalize learning, and enhance student support based on individual capabilities. This includes innovating teaching methods, structuring online/offline schedules, designing classroom layouts, equipping technology, and communicating with students.

Following the pilot, the Department of Academic Affairs and the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics will gather student feedback and compare outcomes with traditional formats to refine and scale the model.
 

A recent hybrid class at the School of Information and Communications Technology successfully brought together 596 students—40 attending in person and 558 online—taught by Assoc. Prof. Ta Hai Tung, the School’s Dean. Instead of requiring at least eight instructors for in-person delivery, the hybrid model needed only one lecturer and two teaching assistants, maximizing resource efficiency and leveraging digital technology in education.

These hybrid, OMO, and B-learning classes on the LMS platform, along with the development of digital learning materials, clearly demonstrate the university's commitment to building a shared digital university model - one of the key goals under the Prime Minister-approved roadmap for HUST to become a top-tier university in Asia.