Introduction to Blended and Online Learning  - OPL Facilitated Course
(5 weeks, 2-4 hrs/week)

CORRECTION: The most recent course start date is April 2, 2012, NOT April 16, 2012.

This course offers participants the opportunity to experience learning from a student’s point of view in a facilitated distributed learning environment through D2L and web 2.0 tools. The course provides an overview of foundational pedagogical implications, best practices, challenges, and opportunities for education in a technological age. Participants examine the themes of connection, collaboration, creation, and reflection within the context of blended and online distributed learning environments. Discover strategies and introductory steps to engage and support your online learners.

Learner Outcomes

• Define and explore the elements of blended and online learning environments.
• Become proficient at using major functions in the D2L environment from the perspective of a student.
• Compare and contrast the D2L environment with the web 2.0 landscape.
• Engage in an introductory exploration of web 2.0 tools and their applications in your learning context.
• Learn about best practices, effective applications, and pedagogy around digital learning.
• Begin to create D2L functions in a common shell or in your own shell.
• Become familiar with the concept of a professional learning network (PLN) and use web 2.0 tools to begin building one.
• Examine how blended and online learning environments support Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and higher order thinking skills.
• Reflect on the changing nature of education, students, and society.  

Note: This is an online course. Participants are encouraged to attend the weekly Blackboard Collaborate (Elluminate) sessions to help develop community and deeper understanding of the course content.

If you have any questions please contact Stephanie Chan at sdchan@cbe.ab.ca

Note: CBE employees must use their CBE email addresses or they will be charged for the course.