The Educational Technology Project course at the University of Oulu aimed to engage students in solving real educational challenges through team-based projects in collaboration with work-life clients. Students communicated with clients, such as companies and schools, using online and hybrid methods, creating practical solutions to their problems by applying theoretical knowledge acquired in prior courses. The course structure was designed based on theoretical insights into self-regulated learning (SRL) and collaborative learning and was supported by the Open Badge system. Students began by reflecting on their professional competencies, then proceeded with project planning, team orientation, and project evaluation. Interactions between the teacher, students, and clients were mediated by digital platforms like Microsoft Teams and other communication tools. Hybrid learning was implemented during both the lecture and collaborative work components. The effectiveness of the hybrid mode of communication was highlighted, as it allowed flexible collaboration with clients from various locations beyond the local area and improved student retention by accommodating those who had difficulties commuting. Overall, the course effectively integrated pedagogical theories into practice, provided a comprehensive learning experience to address real-world educational challenges, and developed students’ collaborative problem-solving skills using online and hybrid methods, aligning with modern work practices.