Course Syllabus

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PDE 3144: Introduction to Online and Blended Teaching
(Tier I - Online & Blended Certification Program)

Course Description
This course is designed for educators who are interested in teaching online and/or blending their classrooms or schools. Educators will begin to understand that online and blended learning is not just about incorporating technology, but about changing their role and how they support students. The definition of blended learning, the four models, the best practices of teaching and learning in an online and blended environment are some of the topics covered in this three week class.

Objectives:
At the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the best practices for teaching and engaging in online and blended learning environments.
• Articulate the philosophy of teaching online versus face-to-face and the merge of the two into a blended learning environment.
• Explore different methodologies for providing online  and blended learning opportunities for students.

Online Session:

There will be one 1 hour mandatory Online Session (synchronous) session. The announcement and link to attend will be posted within your class. The Online Session will meet the following objectives:

• Summarize course topics and expectations
• Define and identify similarities and differences among Online Education, Brick and Mortar Education, and Blended Learning
• Classify, describe, and provide examples of blended learning models
• Discuss is happening in your schools and across your districts

Course Topics:

There are five learning modules in this courses, along with an opening orientation, and end-of-course check list. This course is a one credit PDE and will take a minimum of 15 hours to complete. Estimated time frames are provided below. Plan your time wisely over the three week duration of the course. 

Module 0 – Orientation
Time: Approximately 1.5 hours + 1 hour online session

• Familiarize students to courses expectations.
• Summarize course topics and learning objectives.

Module 1 – Is Online and Blended Learning For Me
Time: Approximately 1.5 hours

• Determine if online learning is effective.
• Learn common terms and definitions in online education.
• Determine if online and blended learning right for you.

Module 2 – The Four Models of Blended Learning
Time: Approximately 3 hours

• Learn the elements involved in effective blended learning.
• Identify and describe the four blended learning models.
• Recognize blended learning programs in your own school and district.

Module 3 – Communicating with an Online Audience
Time: Approximately 2.5 hours

• Identify and analyze the similarities and differences between teaching online, blended, and face-to-face.
• Describe the differences between synchronous and asynchronous instruction.
• Understand how to communicate with students in a virtual world.
• Analyze the proper ways in which to communicate with people in an online environment.

Module 4 – What are the Student Benefits
Time: Approximately 3 hours

• Formulate ideas about the benefits of online and blended learning.
• Recognize that the role of the online and blended teacher is just as important, to the success of the student, as a face-to-face teacher.
• Understand that online and blended teacher can make accommodations to meet the needs of individual students.Required Assignments

Module 5 – Teachers’ Role is Changing
Time: Approximately 2.5 hours

• Determine what roles an online teacher will need.
• Discuss the social, administrative and pedagogical techniques of online and blended teaching.
• Learn to adapt and have the flexibility to teach online and blended learners.
• Continue learning about education reforms as a lifelong goal.