Blended Learning: Definitions and Rationale

Blended Learning: Definitions and Rationale Initial Impressions? Impressions Perceptions Roles Instructors Students What is Blended Learning? When you hear the term "blended learning" what comes to mind? Definitions What are the characteristics of face-to-face learnig? What are the characteristics of online learning? Rationale References: Carmen, J.M., (2002). Blended Learning Design: Five Key Ingredients, http://www.agilantlearning.com/pdf/Blended%20Learning%20Design.pdf College Strategic Planning Process SWOT ANALYSIS SUMMMARY Department of Kinesiology & Physical Education, http://www.cedu.niu.edu/aboutus/strategicPlanning/docs/knpeSWOT_Ja n08.pdf Garrison, R.R., & Vaughan, N.D. (2008). Blended Learning in Higher Education: Framework Principles, and Guidelines. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Learning Technology Center, Hybrid Courses, 2009 Report on the Review of Online and Blended Learning, 2009 Benefits Challenges F2F Online F2F Online What are the benefits and challenges with f2f and online learning? What are the roles of faculty and students in the online environment? students taking more responsibility new teaching opportunities student engagement increased student learning new pedagogical approaches Challenges Rethinking course design Adopting a new approach to teaching Managing dual learning environment Preparing students Why? combination of F2F and online learning activities where the online activities replace actual “seat-time” in the classroom. It is the blend that makes each course unique, thus, blended courses can take on different attributes. "...the thoughtful fusion of face-to-face and online learning experiences. That basic principle is that face-to-face oral communication and online written communication are optimally integrated such that the strengths of each are blended into a unique learning experience congruent with the context and intended educational purpose." (Garrison & Vaughan, 2008) Key Assumptions Thoughtful integration of face-to-face and online learning Fundamentally rethinking the course design to optimize student engagement Restructuring and replacing traditional class contact hours 5 Ingredients (Carman, 2002) more work different ways to teach/ combined together flexibility compromise engagement convenience easily ignored? accommodating learning styles what is being sacrificd? skepticism edutainment community justifying cost quality choice less interaction not good fit bi-polar social vocal expression nonverbal expressions interactive active limited time fixed spontaeous organic interaction cheating last minute tech issues needy superficial comments multi-tasking access 24/7, anywhere boundaries fun relies on self-directedness more detailed policing netiquette moderator