Offered:
Summer Session II: June 22 – July 20, 2012
Summer Session III: July 20 – August 17, 2012

$427.50 for participants from member or affiliate schools
$475 for all other participants
Register for this course

In June 2009, the US Department of Education released their meta-analysis of online and blended learning (combination of online and face-to-face instruction), Evaluation of Evidenced Based Practices in Online Learning. That analysis found that: ” classes with online learning (whether taught completely online or blended) on average produce stronger student learning outcomes than do classes with solely face-to-face instruction.” And yet, many (if not most) teachers within independent schools still rely primarily or only on face-to-face instruction.

This course is designed for the teacher who has limited experience engaging students online but is interested in learning more about the concept of blended learning and the variety of online tools available. As participants engage in several online activities, they will spend time exploring current research and theories to answer the questions: What is blended learning and why is it so powerful with this generation of learners? What are the considerations for designing a blended course? What are the principles of effective blended learning? What are the tools for facilitating effective blended learning?

Participants will connect and collaborate with each other through a variety of online activities averaging 4 hours a week. By the end of this four week experience, participants will understand the implications of blended learning on their own classroom and the pedagogical considerations for applying the blended learning model to their own courses. In addition, they will have established a learning community of peers with whom they may continue their exploration of blended learning going forward.

Participants Comments:

Introduction to Blended Learning connected me to a community of thoughtful and dynamic teachers working to create 21st century classrooms. I would recommend the course to anyone interested in the state of the art of blended learning for K-12 students. – Participant from San Francisco, California

I knew very little about Blended Learning beyond its name and that it was connected to the notion of a “flipped” classroom. This course taught me so much more about its true nature, about the potential for making effective changes, and about how to get started. Our course instructor did a fabulous job of communicating, troubleshooting, and moving us forward. The resources are terrific and will keep me thinking and “doing” throughout the academic year. – Participant from a girls’ school in Farmington, Connecticut

This course was as thought-provoking as it was practical. Highly recommended to any teacher or administrator who wants to explore this hybrid approach and be a model of life-long learning to their students. – Participant from New York, New York

Blended Learning I is a wonderful introduction to this topic with carefully developed discussions around well chosen readings and videos. The Web 2.0 tools used in the course environment are ones that teachers can use as they develop blended learning curriculum at their schools. – Participant from a boys’ school in Memphis, Tennessee