Hard to get started
I am in a position in which I need to develop a course that will be blended (classroom and online component). I'm having a terrible time getting started. I think it is a bit overwhelming getting started so I'm going to use the ideas from this class to break it down into managable pieces.
I have experience in project management and that is what they teach us, it is overwhelming to think of the whole thing but if you break it down into manageable pieces, that makes it easier to get started.
Has anyone else experienced this? Please feel free to share stategies. Thank you.
Jaclyn ,
May I ask - why 20 minutes only during the F2F component? The competencies can be done in 20 minute increments? Thanks!
Although I will not be developing a course as of yet. I will be starting to teach a blended course. We will have twenty minutes three times a week onground and 6 hours of time alloted on thursdays for the students to access the course online. They will do competencies in class and all of the tests and discussions online.
Martin,
You are the second person today that has posted something about anticipating what areas the students may have difficulty with. Thanks for bringing that up.
One thing to remember is that you are knowledgeable in the field and if you've taught this course or a similar one in any delivery format, you can anticipate what areas the students are going to have difficulty with. I teach math and I can easily predict what topics are going to be difficult for the students and what topics don't need much additional paid to them. That way I can focus my attention and my delivery on the topics that students need the most help with.
Kimberly,
The book is published by IGI Global and it's called Advancing Technology and Educational Development through Blended Learning in Emerging Economies. Just FYI. Thanks!
Very interesting Tena! I would love to read this book...what is the title (is it on Amazon)?
The contact between the student and faculty is really the key to a successful online environment. We are already dealing with a barrier of distance and a bit of anonymity. It's important that we bond with the students during the first week to make sure we solidify their engagement. :)
william,
Without knowing the goals/objectives, the course cannot be developed properly. This is an essential first step.
Thanks!
I think the hardest part was to get the administration to actually state their goals...
Once you know this then the course can be formed.
I dont know how many people I had to approach to get a specific answer.
Jodi,
I have recently co-authored a book chapter about transferring a F2F course to an online course. One of the main things I typically tell people is to look up the seven principles for good practice in undergraduate education by Chickering and Gamson (just do a Google search) and make sure you include those seven components in the course. They include:
1. Encourages contact between students and faculty
2. Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students.
3. Encourages active learning.
4. Gives prompt feedback.
5. Emphasizes time on task.
6. Communicates high expectations.
7. Respects diverse talents and ways of learning.
Also, a key in a blended course is to make sure what they do online connected to the F2F part of the class as well. Hope this is helpful.
