Blended Language Learning: Design and Practice for Teachers from Coursera

This course is for language educators who wish to learn how to build and teach a blended language course. You may receive 1.5 Graduate Teacher Education credits (GRTE) for completing this course. See below for more information.

This course is divided into four modules.

In the first module we are going to discuss the origins and effectiveness of the blended learning model.

In the second module, we are going to look at course level considerations such as how to choose a blended format or how to build a blended course syllabus.

In the third module, we are going to focus on the unit level. We are going to discuss how to plan a blended unit, how to go about presenting content, designing blended activities and assessment strategies.

In the fourth module, we're going to turn our attention to the teaching aspect of the blended learning experience.

At the end of the course, you have the option to put what you have learned into practice through an optional peer-reviewed assignment (Honors lesson). This assignment is not required to complete the course unless you wish to obtain Graduate Teacher Credits (GRTE).

This course includes short quizzes, discussion questions, and an optional scaffolded peer-reviewed assignment. If you complete all the assignments, at the end of this course you will have fairly fleshed out a blended unit and you will be well on your way to building your own blended language course.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

Explain blended learning as a teaching modality and discuss its effectiveness

List and discuss the main instructional design steps involved in building a blended language course

Select tools and technologies to support blended language learning

Discuss effective blended teaching strategies

GRTE credits: Credits earned for GRTE courses are not applicable toward a degree program offered at the University of Colorado Boulder but may be used for teacher professional enhancement, including relicensure and school district salary advancement. You may receive 1.5 GRTE credits for completing this course ($225). The form is provided at the end module 5.

What's inside

Syllabus

Blended Language Learning: Definitions, Benefits, Challenges, and Effectiveness

In this module, you will learn about the origins of the blended learning model and about the effectiveness of this model compared to other modalities. You will also learn about the affordances, benefits, and challenges of blended language learning for teachers and students.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the theoretical foundations of blended language learning, which is standard in the teaching of language learning

Taught by Edwige Simon, who is recognized in the field of language learning

Develops strong skills in blended language learning and blended instructional design, which are core skills for language educators in higher education

Examines blended language learning, which is highly relevant for language educators in higher education

Students have the option to earn 1.5 Graduate Teacher Education credits (GRTE) for completing this course

Includes short quizzes, discussion questions, and an optional scaffolded peer-reviewed assignment

Reviews summary

Blended learning design for teachers

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive experience for language educators looking to transition to or improve blended teaching practices. Students found the course provided a clear structure and valuable insights into instructional design for blended environments, emphasizing practical strategies. While the course covers theoretical foundations, such as the Community of Inquiry framework, some reviewers felt the assignments required significant time investment, especially the optional peer-reviewed assignment for graduate credit. Overall, it is seen as a solid foundation, although a few wished for more in-depth discussion of specific technology tools.

Optional credits available for professional growth.

"Appreciated the option to get GRTE credits for relicensure or salary advancement purposes."

"The process for obtaining GRTE credits seemed straightforward based on the information provided."

"Useful for teachers needing professional development hours recognized by their institutions."

Provides theoretical foundation alongside practical steps.

"Some found it too theoretical, wishing for more tool-specific examples and demonstrations."

"It provides the 'why' behind blended learning before diving into the 'how'."

"A good balance between understanding the blended model and learning how to apply it in practice."

"Would have liked more examples of specific tech tools and how to integrate them."

Modules are well-organized and concepts well-explained.

"The breakdown into course and unit level was logical and easy to follow."

"Learning about the Community of Inquiry model was very useful for understanding online presence."

"Each module built well on the previous one, creating a coherent learning path."

"The organization made complex topics feel manageable."

Offers actionable strategies for blended teaching.

"I learned concrete steps for designing my own blended unit."

"The teaching strategies module gave me ideas I can use right away."

"Helped me think about how to blend online and F2F effectively and practically."

"I feel equipped to start building my own blended language course now."

Requires dedication, especially for optional assignments.

"The assignments, particularly the Honors lesson, required a lot of time to complete thoroughly."

"Be prepared to invest significant effort if you want the graduate credit or want to build a strong unit."

"It wasn't a 'passive' course; you really have to work on the tasks presented."

"Found the workload substantial, especially balancing it with a full-time job."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Blended Language Learning: Design and Practice for Teachers with these activities:

Follow Tutorials on Using Blended Language Learning Tools

Show steps

Expand your knowledge and skills in using various tools and technologies for blended language learning.

Show steps

Identify a specific blended language learning tool or technology.
Find and follow video tutorials or online guides on how to use the tool effectively.
Experiment with the tool and explore its features.
Apply the tool in your own blended language learning context.

Engage in Discussions with Peers on Blended Language Learning

Show steps

Connect with other language educators to share experiences, ideas, and challenges in blended language learning.

Show steps

Join or create an online forum or discussion group for blended language learning educators.
Participate in discussions, asking questions, sharing insights, and providing support.
Collaborate on projects or initiatives related to blended language learning.

Practice Designing Blended Language Learning Activities

Show steps

Develop your skills in designing effective blended language learning activities through repetitive practice.

Show steps

Identify a language skill or concept.
Design an online activity to practice the skill or concept.
Design a face-to-face activity to practice the skill or concept.
Reflect on the effectiveness of each activity and make improvements.

Five other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all eight activities

Read 'Online Teaching Strategies' by Russell O West

Show steps

Understand best practices in online education and learn effective teaching strategies for blended learning environments.

Show steps

Obtain a copy of the book.
Read through the book, taking notes on key concepts and strategies.
Reflect on how you can apply the strategies to your own blended teaching practice.

Design a Blended Language Course Syllabus

Show steps

Gain practical experience in designing a blended language course syllabus that effectively integrates online and face-to-face components.

Show steps

Choose a language and level of instruction.
Determine the learning objectives and outcomes for the course.
Identify the appropriate online and face-to-face activities to achieve the learning objectives.
Develop a course schedule and pacing plan.
Create assignments, assessments, and grading rubrics.

Attend a Workshop on Blended Language Learning

Show steps

Engage with experts and practitioners in the field to gain insights and practical tips on blended language learning.

Show steps

Identify and register for a workshop on blended language learning.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities.
Take notes and document key learnings and best practices.
Apply the acquired knowledge and skills to your own blended language teaching practice.

Develop an Online Lesson on Blended Language Learning Principles

Show steps

Enhance your understanding of blended learning principles and gain experience in creating engaging online content for language learners.

Show steps

Research and identify the key principles of blended language learning.
Design an online lesson that incorporates these principles.
Develop interactive activities and assessments to enhance student engagement.
Pilot the lesson with a small group of learners and gather feedback.
Refine and improve the lesson based on the feedback received.

Create a Portfolio of Blended Language Learning Materials

Show steps

Showcase your skills in developing and integrating blended language learning materials for effective instruction.

Show steps

Collect and organize a variety of blended language learning materials, including online lessons, activities, assessments, and resources.
Create a portfolio website or online space to showcase your materials.
Include a rationale for each material, explaining its pedagogical purpose and alignment with blended learning principles.
Share your portfolio with colleagues and other educators for feedback and collaboration.

Career center

Learners who complete Blended Language Learning: Design and Practice for Teachers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Curriculum Developer

Curriculum Developers design and develop educational programs and courses for schools, colleges, and universities. They work with teachers and administrators to plan and implement new programs, and they also evaluate existing programs to make sure they are effective. This course would be useful for Curriculum Developers because it provides a deep dive into the blended learning model. Blending e-learning with traditional teaching methods is an effective way for teachers to deliver their curriculum.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curriculum Developer

Instructional Coordinator

Instructional Coordinators work with teachers and administrators to develop and implement educational programs and materials. They may also provide professional development to teachers and help them improve their teaching skills. This course would be useful for Instructional Coordinators because it provides a comprehensive overview of the blended learning model, including its benefits and challenges. Additionally, the course covers the various types of blended formats and provides guidance on how to choose the right format for a particular course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Coordinator

Educational Consultant

Educational Consultants help schools and other educational institutions improve their teaching and learning practices. They may work with teachers, administrators, and parents to identify areas for improvement and develop plans to address those areas. This course would be useful for Educational Consultants because it provides a deep understanding of the blended learning model and its effectiveness. Additionally, the course covers the various types of blended formats and provides guidance on how to choose the right format for a particular course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

Instructional Designer

Instructional Designers design and develop educational materials and programs. They work with subject matter experts to create content that is engaging and effective. This course would be useful for Instructional Designers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the blended learning model and its effectiveness. Additionally, the course covers the various types of blended formats and provides guidance on how to choose the right format for a particular course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Designer

Faculty Developer

Faculty Developers work with teachers and administrators to help them improve their teaching skills. They may provide training on new teaching methods, help teachers develop course materials, and conduct research on teaching and learning. This course would be useful for Faculty Developers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the blended learning model and its effectiveness. Additionally, the course covers the various types of blended formats and provides guidance on how to choose the right format for a particular course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Faculty Developer

Technology Integration Specialist

Technology Integration Specialists help teachers integrate technology into their teaching practices. They may provide training on new technologies, help teachers develop lesson plans that incorporate technology, and troubleshoot technical problems. This course would be useful for Technology Integration Specialists because it provides a deep understanding of the blended learning model and its effectiveness. Additionally, the course covers the various types of blended formats and provides guidance on how to choose the right format for a particular course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technology Integration Specialist

E-Learning Developer

E-Learning Developers design and develop online courses and other digital learning materials. They work with subject matter experts to create content that is engaging and effective. This course would be useful for E-Learning Developers because it provides a deep understanding of the blended learning model and its effectiveness. Additionally, the course covers the various types of blended formats and provides guidance on how to choose the right format for a particular course.

See salaries and explore the career path for E-Learning Developer

Distance Learning Coordinator

Distance Learning Coordinators develop and manage online learning programs and courses. They work with faculty and staff to create and deliver online content, and they also provide support to students. This course would be useful for Distance Learning Coordinators because it provides a deep understanding of the blended learning model and its effectiveness. Additionally, the course covers the various types of blended formats and provides guidance on how to choose the right format for a particular course.

See salaries and explore the career path for Distance Learning Coordinator

Online Learning Specialist

Online Learning Specialists provide support to students and faculty in online learning environments. They may help students with technical problems, answer questions about course content, and provide feedback on assignments. This course may be useful for Online Learning Specialists because it provides a deep understanding of the blended learning model and its effectiveness.

See salaries and explore the career path for Online Learning Specialist

Educational Technology Specialist

Educational Technology Specialists help teachers and administrators integrate technology into their teaching and learning practices. They may provide training on new technologies, help teachers develop lesson plans that incorporate technology, and troubleshoot technical problems. This course may be useful for Educational Technology Specialists because it provides a deep understanding of the blended learning model and its effectiveness.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Technology Specialist

Instructional Coach

Instructional Coaches work with teachers to help them improve their teaching skills. They may provide feedback on teaching practices, help teachers develop lesson plans, and conduct research on teaching and learning. This course may be useful for Instructional Coaches because it provides a deep understanding of the blended learning model and its effectiveness.

See salaries and explore the career path for Instructional Coach

Online Course Developer

Online Course Developers design and develop online courses and other digital learning materials. They work with subject matter experts to create content that is engaging and effective. This course may be useful for Online Course Developers because it provides a deep understanding of the blended learning model and its effectiveness.

See salaries and explore the career path for Online Course Developer

Learning and Development Manager

Learning and Development Managers oversee the development and implementation of training and development programs for employees. They may also provide training on new technologies, help employees develop their skills, and conduct performance evaluations. This course may be useful for Learning and Development Managers because it provides a deep understanding of the blended learning model and its effectiveness.

See salaries and explore the career path for Learning and Development Manager

Higher Education Administrator

Higher Education Administrators oversee the operations of colleges and universities. They may be responsible for a variety of areas, such as admissions, financial aid, student life, and academic affairs. This course may be useful for Higher Education Administrators because it provides a deep understanding of the blended learning model and its effectiveness.

See salaries and explore the career path for Higher Education Administrator

K-12 School Administrator

K-12 School Administrators oversee the operations of elementary and secondary schools. They may be responsible for a variety of areas, such as curriculum development, teacher hiring, and budget management. This course may be useful for K-12 School Administrators because it provides a deep understanding of the blended learning model and its effectiveness.

See salaries and explore the career path for K-12 School Administrator