Image from: https://www.totaralms.com/blog/expert-interview-mark-harrison-blended-learning
511 Blended Learning
Students will focus on blended learning theories and their potential role in brick-and-mortar and online learning environments. Current models of blended learning will be examined using specific case studies. Students will apply instructional design concepts to the creation of blended learning opportunities. Frameworks for blended/hybrid learning environments will be developed.
Course Outcomes Fall 2015 Instructor: Justin Mark
- Demonstrate understanding of common terms, definitions and models related to blended learning.
- Develop a theoretical understanding of Blended Learning and the models associated with it.
- Examine specific case studies of Blended Learning and assess their ability to engage a variety of learners.
- Develop blended environments/programs that maximize the positives of both online and face to face environments.
- Create blended structures that fit in your potential or existing teaching environment.
- Demonstrate basic competency with design and implementation within a variety of online learning environments and tools
- Engage in building learning communities and communities of practice
- Critically assess and evaluate resources for best practice in blended learning
- Engage in reflection of your readings, practice and learnings throughout the course
Blog Post: Back to the Future... Again
Link to Blog Post
OLTD Program Learning Outcomes Addressed:
Develop a theoretical understanding of Blended Learning and the models associated with it.
Develop blended environments/programs that maximize the positives of both online and face to face environments.
Engage in reflection of your readings, practice and learnings throughout the course
Assignment Summary and Reflection:
Blogging does not come naturally to me but as I have progressed throughout the OLTD program, I have come to realize the power in putting pen to paper, or fingers to the keyboard, as is now more often the case! Making concrete the thoughts that come to mind seem to ground me more clearly in the philosophical perspective I am taking, which not only provides clarity of purpose, but helps me to stay true to what I know is important when designing courses or programs. Though I have posted my thoughts more often as of late, both on Google+ and on my Blog site, this particular post was an "ah-ha" moment for me. What became imminently clear to me was the importance to design with connection in mind. Connection to people, places and especially community and to do so in ways that would define blended learning as the pathway illuminating the best way forward when integrating technology with new curricular directions into public education practice.
Develop a theoretical understanding of Blended Learning and the models associated with it.
Develop blended environments/programs that maximize the positives of both online and face to face environments.
Engage in reflection of your readings, practice and learnings throughout the course
Assignment Summary and Reflection:
Blogging does not come naturally to me but as I have progressed throughout the OLTD program, I have come to realize the power in putting pen to paper, or fingers to the keyboard, as is now more often the case! Making concrete the thoughts that come to mind seem to ground me more clearly in the philosophical perspective I am taking, which not only provides clarity of purpose, but helps me to stay true to what I know is important when designing courses or programs. Though I have posted my thoughts more often as of late, both on Google+ and on my Blog site, this particular post was an "ah-ha" moment for me. What became imminently clear to me was the importance to design with connection in mind. Connection to people, places and especially community and to do so in ways that would define blended learning as the pathway illuminating the best way forward when integrating technology with new curricular directions into public education practice.
School Board Proposal: Blended Learning - Now and in the Future
Link to Google Doc
Link to pdf of Slide Presentation made to Delta District, Director of Learning Services, January 2016
Link to pdf of Slide Presentation made to Delta District, Director of Learning Services, January 2016
OLTD Program Learning Outcomes Addressed:
Demonstrate understanding of common terms, definitions and models related to blended learning.
Develop a theoretical understanding of Blended Learning and the models associated with it.
Develop blended environments/programs that maximize the positives of both online and face to face environments.
Create blended structures that fit in your potential or existing teaching environment.
Demonstrate basic competency with design and implementation within a variety of online learning environments and tools
Engage in building learning communities and communities of practice
Critically assess and evaluate resources for best practice in blended learning
Assignment Summary and Reflection:
I would have to agree with Horn and Staker (Chapter 11) that "innovation is a process, not an event!" But this course's major assignment was an event, that for me, gelled all that I have been contemplating about for over a decade and solidified all that I have learned over the past 7 courses! Creating a comprehensive document that outlined all the considerations that need to be made when developing a blended learning environment was an exceptionally useful exercise. An exercise that not only helped me more clearly define my philosophical stance but one that allowed me to outline exactly what schools (and districts) could do to move toward integrating blended learning environments in ways that positively impact teacher instruction and student learning in meaningful ways.
Even more exciting is that I have parlayed this assignment into "real-life!" I have a presentation meeting set with my school principal and the District Principal of DL next week. In addition, I have another meeting with two members of the senior management team at the school board in early January.
I sincerely thank my OLTD cohort members and 511 course instructor Justin Mark, for allowing me to be part of this learning process. I feel like our journey was, in and of itself, "disruptive innovation" at its finest. The collective expertise and critical analysis about blended learning that I was exposed over the last 6 weeks was crucially instrumental in my ability to compile this proposal. What ever successes I enjoy while innovating in my room, school or beyond, I owe to you all! For that I am deeply grateful.
Demonstrate understanding of common terms, definitions and models related to blended learning.
Develop a theoretical understanding of Blended Learning and the models associated with it.
Develop blended environments/programs that maximize the positives of both online and face to face environments.
Create blended structures that fit in your potential or existing teaching environment.
Demonstrate basic competency with design and implementation within a variety of online learning environments and tools
Engage in building learning communities and communities of practice
Critically assess and evaluate resources for best practice in blended learning
Assignment Summary and Reflection:
I would have to agree with Horn and Staker (Chapter 11) that "innovation is a process, not an event!" But this course's major assignment was an event, that for me, gelled all that I have been contemplating about for over a decade and solidified all that I have learned over the past 7 courses! Creating a comprehensive document that outlined all the considerations that need to be made when developing a blended learning environment was an exceptionally useful exercise. An exercise that not only helped me more clearly define my philosophical stance but one that allowed me to outline exactly what schools (and districts) could do to move toward integrating blended learning environments in ways that positively impact teacher instruction and student learning in meaningful ways.
Even more exciting is that I have parlayed this assignment into "real-life!" I have a presentation meeting set with my school principal and the District Principal of DL next week. In addition, I have another meeting with two members of the senior management team at the school board in early January.
I sincerely thank my OLTD cohort members and 511 course instructor Justin Mark, for allowing me to be part of this learning process. I feel like our journey was, in and of itself, "disruptive innovation" at its finest. The collective expertise and critical analysis about blended learning that I was exposed over the last 6 weeks was crucially instrumental in my ability to compile this proposal. What ever successes I enjoy while innovating in my room, school or beyond, I owe to you all! For that I am deeply grateful.
References
Horn, M., & Staker, H. (2015). Blended: Using disruptive innovation to Improve
schools. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
Horn, M., & Staker, H. (2015). Blended: Using disruptive innovation to Improve
schools. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.