Strategies for Success in Blended Instruction

Submission Type

75-minute Hands-on Workshop

Abstract

In this session, we will begin with a short presentation and review of current literature regarding best practices for blended instruction. Next, we will break into small groups to discuss the provided question prompts, share experiences and build consensus.

Next, we will reconvene to share each group’s conclusions with the larger group as a whole. In this last portion of the discussion, we will validate the research and best practices presented earlier against group member’s personal experiences with blended instruction. In this portion of the workshop, a key objective will be to uncover the challenges/obstacles that can keep Instructors from implementing these techniques and bring innovative approaches to the surface.

Finally, we will collectively build a document (Google Docs?) that assembles areas of consensus regarding pedagogical best practices in Blended Courses and techniques for overcoming and avoiding the pitfalls.

Takeaways from the session will include:

(1) A chance to learn about current research and emerging best practices in the field

(2) Share with and learn from other practitioners

(3) Come away with new ideas that can be incorporated into their teaching and course design.

Example questions for discussion:

  • Do you find the research that shows a correlation between online interaction and learning outcomes compelling? What has your experience been?
  • Does the structure of your course encourage students to actively engage you (the instructor) and other students? What have you changed or done that you think has made the biggest difference?
  • What type of activities do you use in your course? What has worked? What hasn’t worked?
  • What technologies are you using? Canvas tools and beyond?
  • What do you do as an Instructor to create a sense of community?
  • What is your top trick, tip, or time-saver when humanizing an online course?

If time permits, we could incorporate a show-and-tell where Instructors could get up and show off their course or some specific aspect of their course.

Session

Workshop

Start Date

5-19-2016 2:50 PM

End Date

5-19-2016 4:10 PM

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May 19th, 2:50 PM May 19th, 4:10 PM

Strategies for Success in Blended Instruction

In this session, we will begin with a short presentation and review of current literature regarding best practices for blended instruction. Next, we will break into small groups to discuss the provided question prompts, share experiences and build consensus.

Next, we will reconvene to share each group’s conclusions with the larger group as a whole. In this last portion of the discussion, we will validate the research and best practices presented earlier against group member’s personal experiences with blended instruction. In this portion of the workshop, a key objective will be to uncover the challenges/obstacles that can keep Instructors from implementing these techniques and bring innovative approaches to the surface.

Finally, we will collectively build a document (Google Docs?) that assembles areas of consensus regarding pedagogical best practices in Blended Courses and techniques for overcoming and avoiding the pitfalls.

Takeaways from the session will include:

(1) A chance to learn about current research and emerging best practices in the field

(2) Share with and learn from other practitioners

(3) Come away with new ideas that can be incorporated into their teaching and course design.

Example questions for discussion:

  • Do you find the research that shows a correlation between online interaction and learning outcomes compelling? What has your experience been?
  • Does the structure of your course encourage students to actively engage you (the instructor) and other students? What have you changed or done that you think has made the biggest difference?
  • What type of activities do you use in your course? What has worked? What hasn’t worked?
  • What technologies are you using? Canvas tools and beyond?
  • What do you do as an Instructor to create a sense of community?
  • What is your top trick, tip, or time-saver when humanizing an online course?

If time permits, we could incorporate a show-and-tell where Instructors could get up and show off their course or some specific aspect of their course.