Why?

Unleashing the Potential of Hybrid Hackathons in Education

Hybrid hackathons are a potent catalyst for enhancing student knowledge and engagement. They provide a platform where transversal skills - such as creativity, complex problem-solving, and decision-making - can flourish. These competencies have been highlighted by the World Economic Forum as the top skills for 2025, emphasizing the relevance and significance of hackathons in preparing students for the future.

The current educational landscape poses significant challenges. Schools are tasked with developing young people who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with critical thinking, effective communication, and preparedness for an evolving employment landscape (Choy & Delahaye, 2009). Authentic learning opportunities are essential, necessitating stronger industry partnerships and real-world challenges (Gentelli, 2015). In this scenario, if curated with thoughtful pedagogical considerations, hackathons can be a viable and potent solution, transcending multiple disciplines of the education sector.

As with any curricular or pedagogical approach, understanding the underlying rationale of a hackathon is a prerequisite before considering the logistics. Ideally, these innovative curricular activities offer experiential learning opportunities where students actively experiment, take actions, and reflect, leading to new knowledge and skills acquisition (Lewis & Williams, 1994). This "innovation pedagogy" approach (Suominen, et. al., 2018) enables teams of learners to engage in multi-disciplinary problem-solving, better preparing them for the future as job-ready graduates and lifelong learners.

Hackathons, particularly the hybrid variety, contribute significantly to making learning at school more aligned with the 21st Century requirements. They enable a shift towards collaborative teaching, participative learning, and innovative skill development approaches. They also present an opportunity to implement a whole-school approach, integrating various disciplines and fostering a community of learners, educators, and industry professionals working towards common objectives.

So why a hybrid hackathon? Because it's a novel approach to learning that combines the intensity and energy of a traditional hackathon with the reach and inclusivity of digital platforms, creating an unparalleled learning experience. With the dual benefits of tackling real-world societal issues and fostering essential skills for the future, the hybrid hackathon becomes a powerful tool in the educational arsenal.