Overview of Blended Learning

Blended learning is an innovative approach to education that combines traditional face-to-face instruction with online learning, creating a dynamic and flexible learning environment. This method integrates the strengths of both in-person and online education, allowing students to benefit from individualized learning experiences while still engaging in collaborative classroom activities. By leveraging technology, blended learning not only enhances the accessibility and efficiency of education but also empowers learners to take control of their educational journey, fostering deeper understanding and retention of knowledge.

Course Description

This Blended Learning Course provides an overview of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to design, develop, and deliver blended courses. The course will benefit beginner instructors new to blended learning and experienced instructors who need a quick refresher. The chapters are intended to be hands-on and highly practical. We will provide handouts, templates, checklists, and tools that instructors can immediately use in their blended course development. 

Course Syllabus

• Blended Learning Course Syllabus

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will gain the skills and knowledge necessary to design and deliver an effective blended learning experience. The following course objectives outline the key competencies that learners will develop throughout the course.

1. Understand the structure and navigation of a blended learning course, including the integration of synchronous and asynchronous learning modalities.

2. Apply key principles of blended learning, such as learner control, motivation, reflection, and collaboration, to effectively blend online and face-to-face components.

3. Develop a blended learning syllabus and course plan that incorporates organized content, engaging learning activities, and varied assessment methods aligned with course goals.

4. Integrate technology proficiently in blended courses using models like SAMR and TPACK to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.

5. Implement strategies from Universal Design for Learning (UDL) to create an inclusive and accessible blended learning environment for all students.

Chapter Outline

• Introduction to Blended Learning Course - Understand how the course is organized and how to navigate the course effectively.

• Chapter 1: Essential Elements of Blended Learning - Understand the key components of blended learning, including the role of instructors, technology, and modalities.

• Chapter 2: Basic Principles of Blended Learning - Understand how learner control and motivation are important principles for blended learning. 

• Chapter 3: Advanced Principles of Blended Learning - Understand how learner reflection, social presence and collaboration are important principles for blended learning. 

• Chapter 4: Student Learning Assessment - Design a blended learning assessment plan that incorporates at least three different assessment types and aligns with course goals.

• Chapter 5: Syllabi Development - Use the provided Blended Course Syllabus Template and Sample Blended Course Syllabus to create a detailed blended learning course.

• Chapter 6: Instructional Design Guidance - Create a detailed course plan using the Instructional Design Planner to foster student success in a blended learning environment. 

• Chapter 7: Technology Integration - Gain technology integration proficiency in using the SAMR Model, the TPACK Framework, and the Technology Integration Worksheet.

• Chapter 8: Ensuring Accessibility - Identify at least three specific strategies from the UDL and Accessibility Checklist to create a more inclusive and accessible blended learning environment for their students.

Chapter Organization

The course has 8 substantive chapters. The required content in each chapter can be completed in approximately 20-25 minutes. We also provide supplemental content (optional) for learners to explore at their leisure. A typical instructor can complete the entire course in about 3 hours. Each chapter includes carefully vetted resources, such as helpful guidelines, ready-to-use templates, practical resources, and research-based articles.

Considering the hectic schedules of most instructors, this course utilizes a micro-learning structure that allows learners to engage with the material in short, manageable sessions, enabling them to easily enter and exit a chapter without requiring a significant time commitment. Additionally, the course is designed with a modular framework, allowing learners to navigate through the material in any order. 

While it may vary from chapter to chapter, most chapters are organized in the following structure.  

• Overview: This section outlines the learning outcomes and overview of the chapter.

• Blended Instructions: This section provides instructions for what the learners should focus on Before, During, and After class.

• Watch: This section offers one or more videos focused on the chapter's topic.

• Read: This section provides one or more readings and/or resources to dive deeper into the chapter's topic.

• Assess: This section allows learners to test their understanding of the chapter's materials.

• Do: This section provides the learner with a hands-on, practical activity that applies the concepts and principles introduced in the chapter.

• Reflect: This section allows the learner to reflect on the topic of the chapter.

• Resources: This section offers additional Practical and Research Articles for learners to explore the topic further.

Learning Pathways

We understand that participants in this course have varying levels of experience with blended learning. To accommodate everyone, we have designed two learning pathways. Please choose the pathway that best suits your background and experience. By following the pathway that aligns with your experience, you will maximize the benefits of this course. We look forward to supporting you in your journey to enhance your blended learning skills.

New to Blended Learning:

1. Videos: Watch all instructional videos to gain a foundational understanding of blended learning concepts.

2. Readings: Read all provided materials to deepen your knowledge.

3. Activities: Complete all activities, especially the hands-on exercises, to apply what you’ve learned.

4. Reflection: Engage with your peers in the reflection to share your experience and insights

Experienced in Blended Learning:

1. Videos and Readings: You're welcome to skim or skip the videos and readings if you have extensive experience with blended learning.

2. Activities: Focus your efforts on the hands-on activities for each chapter, tailoring them to your specific teaching context.

3. Reflection: Engage with your peers in the reflection to share your experience and insights.

4. Resources: Use the provided materials as a reference to enhance and refine your existing knowledge.