Blended Learning Toolkit

Overview

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.

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.

Module 2: Class Design and Creation

This module covers the concept of active and blended learning, how to design courses that fit the teaching style of the instructors, how instructors and TAs can partner to provide engaged learning, and providing the instructors with the digital tools that would help them offer the best learning experience to the students.

Module 3: Course Websites

This module covers how to develop a course website, managing the course with the help of the TA(s), how to develop, use, and update Coursebuilder, and how to leverage advanced CourseBuilder for instructional designers.

Module 4: Live Sessions

This module covers how to conduct a live session, ways through which instructors and teaching assistants can partner in live sessions (face-to-face, online or high flex), and ways to ensure active learning in both Zoom and High Flex classrooms.