Or is it just a matter of semantics?
The short answer is that for all practical purposes, when people refer to hybrid or blended courses (or learning), they are typically talking about the same thing: Some “seat time” of the traditional class is being replaced by “online” learning activities.
I prefer the term blended (and will refer to it that way), primarily for the image that it creates in my own mind: Think “cake” versus “eggs, butter, sugar, milk, baking powder, vanilla” (or whatever you put into your batter) or “salsa” versus “tomatoes, onions, cilantro, corn, tomatillos, etc.”
So what does a blended course look like?
Ah, now there’s an interesting question! To some degree, it’s a bit like asking someone to explain what a dog looks like. The most common format a blended course might take is where one class meeting a week is replaced by online learning activities. For example, a course that typically meets on Mondays and Wednesdays may meet only on Mondays, and on Wednesdays (or by the end of the day on Wednesday) students would be expected to participate in a simulation, asynchronous discussion, web quest, or other type of learning activity. That’s one format. Alternately, I’ve seen blended courses where students meet face-to-face every other week, where students meet once a month, or where students meet only on selected days for specific purposes (such as orientation meetings and student presentations.) Ultimately, the format of the course will be dictated by your department or college, the course objectives, and the needs of you and your students.
The key to designing a quality blended course is to integrate technology as seamlessly as possible, and to weave the in-class time and the out-of-class time together in a way that extends, enhances, and reinforces learning. Does it sound like a challenge? It can be — to do it well!
How do I get started thinking about designing, developing, or teaching a blended course?
There are a number of options, depending on how much time you would like to invest and how much you want to explore specific topics rather than enjoy a smorgasbord!
If a smorgasbord is more your style, consider attending the 8th Annual Sloan-C Conference on Blended Learning – Evidence to Practice: Fulfilling the Promise on March 28-29. It’s close this year – in Oak Brook, IL – which is a plus, and will provide you with ample opportunity to explore a wide range of topics. If you would like to register for this conference, please contact me (jmtaylor@ilstu.edu) and I can get you set up with the information you need to receive our discounted conference registration fee.
If traveling for a conference is out of your budget this year, you may want to consider joining colleagues at CTLT to participate virtually in the Sloan-C blended learning conference on March 28-29. It’s a great opportunity to connect with faculty members from across campus who are interested in blended learning – and to learn from and with other faculty members from all across the country. Sloan-C provides quality streaming sessions on a variety of topics and CTLT provides the local conference space and food! Look for additional information about the virtual conference in the next several weeks in The LINK, on Facebook, and on the CTLT website. If you are interested in virtual participation in the conference, please let me know!
For those more interested in focusing on specific topics, you’ll want to check out Sloan-C’s upcoming online workshops. These workshops are typically 2 – 3 weeks in length, and most have few, if any, synchronous sessions. In addition to access to a number of valuable materials, you’ll have the chance to engage in guided, extended discussions with other faculty members both nationally and internationally. Since Illinois State University is a Sloan-C College Pass subscriber, our faculty members can participate in workshops at no additional cost; however, you MUST contact Chasity Logan (cglogan@ilstu.edu) in CTLT to register for a workshop.
For those who prefer to work with a CTLT coordinator on a one-on-one basis, we would love to work with you! Feel free to call the CTLT at 438-2542 to schedule an appointment with one of our coordinators, or contact me directly either at 438-8931 or jmtaylor@ilstu.edu.
To stay up-to-date with all of the professional development opportunities related to online and blended learning, and to join the conversation with your colleagues, please join us on the ISUTEACH-ONLINE listserv.
As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate ask!
