Objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Distinguish between distance, online and blended learning
• Locate diffent forms of learning along a face-to-face/distance continuum
• Understand the characteristics of blended learning
• Identify the benefits and critical dimensions of blended learning for learners, instructors and institutions
• Recognize the different types of blended learning and identify the most suitable type for your teaching context
• Explore the reference framework of the community of inquiry and distinguish between the social, cognitive and teaching presences associated with it
• Determine the best practices to implement before, at the beginning of and during a blended learning course

Who is this SPOC for

This private online course is addressed to college teaching staff, in particular teachers and educational advisors, interested in learning more about blended learning.

Prerequisites

Teaching experience is recommended.

Format

This SPOC is hosted on the Moodle learning platform of Université de Sherbrooke. Learners can choose their learning track and have access to all of the content at all times throughout the course, so that they can progress at their own pace. A synchronous session is scheduled with the pedagogical team on September 30 to conduct case studies and answer questions. Discussion forums are also available for learners to discuss various topics.

To make the course as inclusive as possible, several media are used: written presentations, podcasts, summary tables, links to additional resources, formative and reflective activities to support learning. Depending on the track they select, learners can decide to overview certain content or explore it in greater depth.

Course outline

1^st Module : A Range of Possibilities

1. History of Distance Learning
2. The Distance Education Continuum
3. Characteristics of Blended Learning
4. Benefits of Blended Learning
5. Critical Dimensions of Blended Learning
6. Typology of Blended Learning

2^nd Module : A Few Best Practices for Blended Learning

1. The Community of Inquiry
2. Best Practices Before Beginning the Course
3. Best Practices at the Beginning of the Course
4. Best Practices During the Course

Download the course outline

Assessment

Quizzes are given at the end of each module. Each learner will receive a certificate of participation upon passing the SPOC.

Possible follow-up

Students who complete this private online course can take their learning further with the following credited courses:

• PED628 - Adapting Teaching Strategies to Alternative Course Delivery Modes
• PED625 - Blended learning: Transforming Teaching and Learning

They may be credited toward the Diplôme d’études supérieures spécialisées de 2e cycle en enseignement au collégial (DESS) and the Graduate Diploma in College Teaching (GDCT) offered at Performa. 

Design Team

Partners and funding