Blended Learning and Good Teaching

Blended learning requires a lot of effort to ensure that students stay engaged and on task. In designing blended courses one needs to pay attention to principles of good teaching, keep the interaction going and recognize that students learn in various ways. The following link provides some more tips:
http://cte.uwaterloo.ca/teaching_with_technology/blended-learning-best-practices.html

Source of Graphic: http://virtualschooling.wordpress.com/2010/02/21/webinar-recording-blended-learning-make-it-work-for-your-district/

New Year New Groups

We are already in February and classes have started in earnest. This year I am paying more attention to theories and research on educational technology. Best practices in the use of video, focussing on outcomes and interaction are some of the issues I am addressing. Keeping on top of it is necessary. I am looking forward to hearing what students have to say about the three I's framework!

Trust the Process

Its been almost two months since my last post and this post is dedicated to a special group. I thought Day 2 was quite productive and entertaining as the group presentations on tools were varied and informative. The role play created much amusement but I was really impressed overall with the commitment of all the group members. I realised that after the presentations many are now contemplating how they can enhance their courses, particularly in light of the limited time they all have. The issues of time management and a lack of skills in some areas are real, however these issues can be dealt with in time- trust the process. I look forward to engaging with the group as we continue to plan.

Proof of the Pudding is in the eating...

Well bloggers, online courses have been developed amidst much weeping and wailing. Test courses were lost, files could not be uploaded, videos were not displayed and every imaginable calamity that can affect a harried student working on an assignment mere hours before the deadline, occurred. Even in the swirl of the stress and chaos, you all persevered. I peeked in every now and then and gave a bit of comfort and encouragement here and there but by and large most of you sweated and did the work and I was impressed. I can safely say that most of the courses were clear, practical and aligned with objectives and context. There is much that can be done to improve because there is always room for improvement but I am satisfied that most of you understand what is required to develop a blended course, you understand how and when technology can and should be used in a course and you understand the constraints of your circumstances. I feel certain that if I had not given the assignment of preparing a blended course then you would not have fully appreciated all the issues involved from process to pedagogy and technology. In other words, the proof of the pudding is in the eating...

Working on your online course: Planning is the key

Its been a few weeks since my last post. I have been monitoring the progress (or lack of progress in some cases) of the development of your blended courses. I have had a few queries and some suggestions so I know some people are working hard to meet the April 11 deadline. I am hoping that the storyboards helped guide you so you were clear on what learning outcomes would be addressed. Always remember that you need to have a plan BEFORE you start to develop your course otherwise you may find yourself doing things in a very haphazard manner and really not meeting objectives. If you are having any problems you need to sort them out early, please don't wait until the deadline has arrived to communicate in a panic. You really don't need the stress caused by last minute work.

The process

I have been reflecting on the performance of CUTL and MHed students on the storyboarding assignment and I have been wondering what has been going through your minds as you worked on these storyboards. They were all so different and some people obviously put so much thought into it that I am actually looking forwarding to seeing the end products. I am hoping that the process allowed you to really examine your courses and focus on outcomes. Generally, I am hoping that you actually enjoyed the experience and feel empowered by the process.

Thoughts about assignments - Its all about you

When I prepare assignments, I think about what I would like the student to be able to do or know. I want to involve the student in some task or activity that would allow the student to think deeply about the subject matter, engage with it and come out of the experience enriched. My idea is that as a student you choose to engage in learning because you want to develop in your area. That's my focus - on the student as someone who wants to learn. I imagine you want to come out enriched. I am therefore always partial to the student who may not have quite grasped the issue but who is willing to work at it until he/she gets it.