What needs to be done?
The following steps are vital to the success of a blended learning course.
1. Clear model of delivery
The blended learning model should be chosen before designing the course.
2. Clear structure of course
Once the blended learning model has been chosen, the structure of the course (learning materials to be provided, sequence of the learning materials, activities, feedback options – quizzes, tasks, discussions, etc.) must be designed. This structure/design must be detailed and specific.
3. Construction of course
Once the blended learning model has been chosen and the structure has been designed, the course has to be populated with resources. This should be completed well ahead of delivery time.
In practice, it may be useful to create the online learning materials while teaching a course in the traditional manner. This allows the teacher to work with resources appropriate to the teaching and learning while it is being delivered. The online materials are then ready for the next iteration of the course, so that the teacher can focus on the blended learning delivery model rather that attempting to build online materials while also grappling with the changes involved in blended learning.
This may appear to be a slower option, and the temptation may be to rush by doing both at the same time, but experience has shown that it is much more effective in both the short and long term to create resources first.
4. Make course available to students
It is also in this stage that the course can be fine-tuned. (There is usually something that needs to be adjusted.)
(Next page: Other points worth considering)
- The traditional classroom works so why change it? - February 23, 2017
- Are outdated computers reverting students to a prehistoric era? - November 17, 2016
- Blended learning and the paradox of the experienced teacher - September 30, 2014