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Redesigning for a Blended Course

10/21/2014

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When redesigning a traditional-classroom course into a blended format, instructors need to decide which components work best in the traditional classroom setting, and which components are better suited for the online environment. In addition, how you will present the structure of the course to your students (and setting expectations for them) is another key consideration.

You can begin by identifying what your vision is for the blended course and how you can integrate it into your department's guidelines for blended courses. The course syllabus and outline must be clearly written to show the blended format and how each component of the course is delivered. Here it is also important to clearly describe to your students how interaction between you and them will take place within the course. For example, will you use your Course Management System's (CMS) e-mail or announcements tools to deliver information to your students? How should students contact you? How will assignments be delivered to students, and how should they submit them for grading? Will assessments take place in the classroom or online? Provide these instructions clearly, and stick with them throughout the course/semester. Set the expectations for interaction and explain why you have chosen the methods you will use.

Another consideration is to determine how you will build community within the course. Will there be group projects and assignments? Will groups meet in the classroom, or virtually via groups you create in the CMS course shell? Offer recommendations to students on how best to interact with their peers within their respective groups. Remember, a blended course format will be new to many students. Help them navigate this new learning territory by offering some "roadmaps" and best practices.

Finally, develop your strategy for how to handle technology support issues. They will come! Should students ask you for assistance in using the CMS and accessing your course? Should they contact the college's help desk? Again, set some guidelines so students feel comfortable knowing there is help available should they need it.

There are many more considerations to ponder when designing a blended course; these are just some broad categories that should be considered and planned for. Thoughtful redesign now will provide a better learning experience for your students later.

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Conducting Virtual Training

10/7/2014

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I always enjoy conducting a virtual training session. The biggest challenge remains really connecting with your learner audience, and them, with you.

How can we achieve that "all in the same classroom" environment? Here are a few tips that I have found helpful toward that goal:

  • Actively listen - When a student is posing a question or sharing information with the class, stay focused on what he/she is saying. It is too easy to use this space of time - when you are not talking - to organize your next thought, or bring up the next window on the computer. This can result in missing what the student has just said; you may have heard it, but you really didn't listen to it.
  • Avoid multitasking - Okay, this is really close to the first point, but this can happen while you are talking. If you are trying to explain one thing, while thinking of something else, and/or doing something else at the same time, you'll never be quite sure of what you just said. Your students may not be in the physical classroom with you, but they will pick up on this. We can sum this one up in two words: Stay focused.
  • Maintain professional etiquette when speaking - Remember, your students' primary way of "seeing" you is through your language. Speak clearly, thoughfully. Be mindful of your tone - inflection is important. No slang, either. And watch those "ummmms," "ahhhhs," and the "you knows." They are distracting to students when they are in the same room as you. They are even more pronounced and magnified when all they can do is hear you.

And finally...


  • Phrase questions that are open-ended - Maintaining collaboration and interactivity are critical in the virtual classroom. Keeping participants engaged keeps them learning. Close-ended questions requiring nothing more than a "yes" or "no" will result in your students drifting off, and makes for a boring session. Remember to ask those questions than encourage dialog and interaction among class participants. People like to express themselves - and this gives them the opportunity to do so.

What else works for you when facilitating a virtual class? Have any tips to share? Post them here and we'll re-visit this topic again.
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eSchool News and eCampus News

9/16/2014

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Here's a link to two publications from eSchool Media: eSchool News and eCampus News:

http://subscriptions.eschoolmedia.com/

From this web site you can subscribe, read the current issues, or go to their web sites.

I enjoy the mix of news, policy, and technology.  Check it out!
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Welcome! An Invitation For Collaboration

9/2/2014

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The genesis for this journal began from the realization that the best way to foster dialogue and promote collaboration is to share information within your learning community.

This journal is open to anyone participating in the learning profession. While its contents will focus more on Higher Education, it will also provide information useful in any learning environment.

I welcome your input and comments.
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    About this Journal

    This journal focuses on all things related to Learning: Instructional Design and Strategies, Instructional Technology and Solutions, Training, and Learning Resources. Thanks to instructional technologies, today's learners have an ever-expanding "learning territory" in which to learn, explore, and develop their fullest potential. This journal was created to share information and promote dialogue and collaboration within the college community.

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