Blended Learning Toolkit from Coursera

This class is designed for teaching and learning professionals, program directors, professors and others interested in implementing digital education programs at their institutions.

It includes an overview of the history of digital education initiatives, suggestions on managing and digital education projects, and guides to the basics of blended learning, backwards course design, class filming, zoom use, and digital class delivery.

This course builds on examples and best practices from Columbia University and peer institutions around the world, and draws on the more than 50 interviews conducted in the research of the Leveling the Learning Curve book project.

It also shares insights, tips, and guides from leaders of top digital education programs at leading universities around the world such as Stanford, Penn, ASU, Dartmouth, Georgia Tech, UC Berkeley and many others, as well as leaders from the Digital Education divisions of the World Bank, UNDP, and PBS Learning Media.

No prerequisite experience with digital education tools is required to be successful in this course. All you need is basic computer operation skills. The course utilizes presentation tools such as PowerPoint, video conferencing software Zoom and Panopto, and Canvas LMS. DIY tools such as ring light, microphone, webcam, and green screen are introduced but not required.

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Creating the New Connected University

This module covers the concept of a connected university, how to lead digital transformation in education, the competencies needed to make digital education work, and how to approach program and course design in networked learning.

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Suitable for teaching and learning experts, such as program directors and instructors, seeking to leverage digital tools

Provides hands-on guidance for creating engaging blended learning experiences

Covers current best practices in digital education from leading organizations

Applicable for individuals and institutions aiming to enhance their digital learning capabilities

Reviews summary

Blended learning for education professionals

According to students, this course offers a solid and comprehensive foundation for teaching and learning professionals seeking to implement digital education programs. Learners frequently appreciate the practical strategies and real-world examples, particularly from Columbia University and other leading institutions, which add significant credibility. The instructor's clear explanations and the well-structured modules are consistently highlighted. While it provides valuable insights for designing and delivering blended learning, some experienced learners or those seeking advanced technical how-tos may find certain sections a bit theoretical or basic, and some technology-specific examples may benefit from updates. Overall, it is considered highly relevant for current educational challenges.

Praised for clear explanations and logical course flow.

"The instructor explains complex ideas clearly and provides excellent examples."

"The instructor's passion for digital education shone through every lecture."

"The course is well-structured and easy to follow."

Offers a comprehensive and well-structured introduction.

"A good overview for educators new to blended learning concepts."

"The content is comprehensive, covering everything from design to delivery."

"Solid course for understanding the foundations of blended learning. The depth is appropriate for a toolkit."

Provides actionable methods and real-world examples.

"This course was exactly what I needed to transition my traditional classroom into a blended format. The 'backwards design' module was particularly insightful, providing practical strategies."

"I particularly enjoyed the practical advice on engaging students in 'high flex' environments."

"I appreciated the focus on practical application in my educational setting."

Some tech examples may feel dated or specific to Columbia.

"I would have liked more specific tools beyond Canvas and Panopto."

"Some parts felt slightly outdated, especially for someone already working with modern LMS systems."

"The focus on Columbia's specific tools was a bit limiting if you don't use them."

Beneficial for new learners, less for seasoned professionals.

"This course is good for absolute beginners, but as an experienced instructional designer, I didn't find much new here."

"I was hoping for more hands-on practical application and less theoretical discussion; it felt more suited for administrators than active educators looking for cutting-edge tools."

"It rehashed a lot of what I already knew from professional development."

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 Toolkit with these activities:

Develop a Course Trailer Video

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Create a compelling video that promotes your digital course and highlights its value to potential students.

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Write a script for the video
Film and edit the video
Upload the video to YouTube or other platforms
Share the video on social media and other channels

Read 'Teaching Online: A Practical Guide' by Susan Ko

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Gain practical advice and guidance on how to effectively design, deliver, and evaluate online courses.

View Best Practices for Mentoring in Online Programs on Amazon

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Read the book's chapters on course design and development
Summarize the key principles and strategies discussed
Identify areas where you can apply the book's insights to your own teaching

Follow a Tutorial on Zoom Classroom Management

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Gain hands-on experience with using Zoom's features for managing online classes, including breakout rooms, polling, and screen sharing.

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Find a suitable tutorial on YouTube or other platforms
Follow the tutorial and complete the exercises
Practice using the Zoom features covered in the tutorial in your own online sessions

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Design a Blended Learning Module

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Create a detailed design for a blended learning module, incorporating both online and face-to-face elements.

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Define the learning objectives for the module
Select appropriate online and face-to-face activities
Develop a schedule for the module
Plan for assessment and feedback

Attend a Webinar on Digital Education Best Practices

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Gain insights from experts in the field of digital education and learn about the latest strategies and technologies for effective online learning.

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Identify and register for a relevant webinar
Attend the webinar and take notes on key points
Reflect on the information presented and consider how to apply it to your own teaching

Develop an Instructional Course Design Plan

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Develop a comprehensive plan for designing and delivering a digital course, including learning objectives, assessment strategies, and technology integration.

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Analyze course goals and objectives
Research and select appropriate technologies
Create a storyboard or outline for the course
Design assessments and rubrics
Develop a plan for implementation and evaluation

Participate in a Peer Review of Course Materials

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Gain feedback from peers on the quality and effectiveness of your digital course materials.

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Identify a peer who is also teaching a digital course
Exchange course materials and provide constructive feedback
Implement feedback and iterate on your own course materials

Create a Portfolio of Digital Teaching Materials

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Build a comprehensive portfolio of digital teaching materials to showcase your skills and expertise in digital education.

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Gather and organize your existing digital teaching materials
Develop new materials to fill any gaps in your portfolio
Create a website or online platform to showcase your portfolio
Share your portfolio with potential employers and collaborators

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Learners who complete Blended Learning Toolkit will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

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Blended Learning Toolkit

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What's inside

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Blended learning for education professionals

Activities

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