Blended Learning: Personalizing Education for Students from Coursera

Plenty of buzz exists about blended learning and its transformational potential. But what does blended learning really mean? In this course we will explore the different models of blended learning and dive into key issues that impact students, teachers, and schools. Specifically, we will look at these issues through the lens of three high-performing schools that each use a different type of blended learning. A few of the key topics will include:

- The role of the student and how to support students in the transition from traditional to blended learning

- Implications for teachers in their day-to-day work and overall role

- Impact on the way schools are designed including staffing models, use of time, hardware/software selection, and the use of data

- Implementation challenges, potential solutions, and the remaining open questions

We will live by the attributes of blended learning in this course, encouraging students to take quizzes at the beginning of the module to assess their understanding and skip material they already know. Overall, we will take a hand-on approach and the course will culminate in participants prototyping their own blended learning model.

If you are interested in learning more about how to best leverage technology in education and rethink the way we run schools, join this MOOC and encourage your colleagues to do the same. Become a part of this growing movement and learn first-hand how blended learning can help provide students a more personalized learning experience.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction and Blended Learning Models

An overview, definition, and introduction to several different models of blended learning.

Creating the Ideal Student Experience

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a comprehensive study of the concept of blended learning

Teaches key issues and topics that are important to students, teachers, and schools

Provides a hands-on approach to prototyping blended learning models

Taught by an author team with expertise in blended learning

Requires students to have some prior experience with blended learning

May be challenging for students who are not familiar with educational technology

Reviews summary

Practical insights for blended learning design

According to learners, this course offers a solid introduction to blended learning concepts, providing practical frameworks and real-world examples from schools implementing different models. Students say the course structure, often involving bite-sized modules, is well-paced and easy to follow, making complex ideas accessible. Many highlight the prototyping assignment as a particularly valuable, hands-on experience that helps solidify understanding and application. While broadly considered highly positive for educators seeking to understand or implement blended learning, some feedback suggests it might be more suitable for those new to the topic, with certain sections potentially lacking deep dives for experienced practitioners. Overall, it's viewed as a useful resource for teachers and administrators navigating the shift towards personalized education.

Best for those starting or early in blended learning.

"This course is perfect for educators just starting to explore blended learning."

"While it's a good overview, experienced practitioners might find some parts basic."

"I found it to be a great intermediate course, building on my existing knowledge but not overly complex."

Explores implications for teachers, students, and schools.

"The modules on the changing roles of teachers and redesigning schools were particularly thought-provoking."

"I gained valuable insights into the systemic changes needed for effective blended learning."

"Understanding the student's perspective and how to support them was very helpful."

The final project is a highlight, aiding practical application.

"The prototyping assignment was the most valuable part for me; it allowed me to apply what I learned."

"Designing my own blended learning model was challenging but solidified my understanding."

"Working on the final project really brought the concepts to life and felt genuinely hands-on."

Features real-world school examples for practical context.

"Learning about the different schools and their models was incredibly insightful and practical."

"The case studies helped illustrate how these concepts work in actual educational settings."

"I appreciated seeing how diverse schools tackled implementation challenges in real life."

Provides a comprehensive overview of key concepts.

"The course provides an excellent overview of various blended learning models."

"I gained a solid understanding of what blended learning really means and its potential."

"It was a great starting point for someone like me who was new to the idea of personalized blended education."

May not delve deep enough for advanced learners.

"Could use more in-depth coverage on specific implementation challenges or advanced strategies."

"I wished some topics, like data utilization, were explored in greater detail."

"For someone already familiar with the basics, the depth might feel a bit lacking in certain areas."

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 Learning: Personalizing Education for Students with these activities:

Review videos on blended learning basics

Show steps

Get up to speed on the basics of blended learning before the course begins; this should clear up any confusion on core concepts and set you up for success

Browse courses on Blended Learning

Show steps

Search for videos on blended learning on YouTube or Vimeo
Take notes on the key concepts and models of blended learning
Summarize your findings in a short paragraph

Show all one activities

Career center

Learners who complete Blended Learning: Personalizing Education for Students will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Education Technology Manager

Education technology managers are responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of educational technology in schools and other educational organizations. This course may be useful for education technology managers who want to learn more about blended learning and how to use it to create more personalized learning experiences for students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Technology Manager

Teacher

Teachers are responsible for teaching students in a classroom setting. They work with students to create a positive and supportive learning environment and to help them achieve their academic goals. This course may be useful for teachers who want to learn more about blended learning and how to use it to create more personalized learning experiences for students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Education Consultant

Education consultants work with schools and other educational organizations to improve teaching and learning. This course may be useful for education consultants who want to learn more about blended learning and how to use it to help schools create more personalized learning experiences for students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Consultant

Educational Technologist

Educational technologists are responsible for integrating technology into the classroom. They work with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to develop and implement technology-based learning solutions. This course may be useful for educational technologists who want to learn more about blended learning and how to use it to create more personalized learning experiences for students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Technologist

Educational Consultant

Educational consultants work with schools and other educational organizations to improve teaching and learning. They provide advice and support on a variety of topics, including blended learning. This course may be useful for educational consultants who want to learn more about blended learning and how to use it to help schools create more personalized learning experiences for students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educational Consultant

Education Researcher

Education researchers study the teaching and learning process. They conduct research on a variety of topics, including blended learning. This course may be useful for education researchers who want to learn more about blended learning and how it can be used to create more personalized learning experiences for students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Education Researcher

Curriculum Coordinator

Curriculum coordinators are responsible for developing and implementing curriculum for schools and other educational organizations. This course may be useful for curriculum coordinators who want to learn more about blended learning and how to use it to create more personalized learning experiences for students.

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Instructional Coach

Instructional coaches work with teachers to improve teaching and learning. They provide support and guidance on a variety of topics, including blended learning. This course may be useful for instructional coaches who want to learn more about blended learning and how to use it to help teachers create more personalized learning experiences for students.

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School Administrator

School administrators are responsible for the overall operation of a school. They work with teachers, staff, parents, and the community to create a positive and supportive learning environment for students. This course may be useful for school administrators who want to learn more about blended learning and how to use it to create more personalized learning experiences for students.

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Instructional Designer

Instructional designers are responsible for creating, developing, and evaluating instructional materials. They work with teachers, subject-matter experts, and other stakeholders to develop learning experiences that are engaging and effective. This course may be useful for instructional designers who want to learn more about blended learning and how to use it to create more personalized learning experiences for students.

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Curriculum Developer

Curriculum developers are responsible for planning, developing, and implementing curriculum for educational institutions. They work with teachers, administrators, and other stakeholders to create curriculum that is aligned with state and national standards and that meets the needs of students. This course may be useful for curriculum developers who want to learn more about blended learning and how to use it to create more personalized learning experiences for students.

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Education Policy Analyst

Education policy analysts research and analyze education policies and programs. They make recommendations to policymakers on how to improve the education system. This course may be useful for education policy analysts who want to learn more about blended learning and how it can be used to create more personalized learning experiences for students.

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Principal

Principals are responsible for the overall operation of a school. They work with teachers, staff, parents, and the community to create a positive and supportive learning environment for students. This course may be useful for principals who want to learn more about blended learning and how to use it to create more personalized learning experiences for students.

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Superintendent

Superintendents are responsible for the overall operation of a school district. They work with principals, teachers, staff, parents, and the community to create a positive and supportive learning environment for students. This course may be useful for superintendents who want to learn more about blended learning and how to use it to create more personalized learning experiences for students.

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Non-Profit Director

Non-profit directors lead and manage non-profit organizations. They work with staff, volunteers, and donors to achieve the organization's mission. This course may be useful for non-profit directors who want to learn more about blended learning and how it can be used to create more personalized learning experiences for students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Non-Profit Director