Blended Courses

The Cambridge Dictionary defines Blended Learning as…

a way of learning that combines traditional classroom lessons with lessons that use computer technology and may be given over the internet: Blended learning is a way of breaking down barriers to education.

Another definition from TeachThought.com is…

Blended learning is an approach to learning that combines face-to-face and online learning experiences. Ideally, each (both online and off) will complement the other by using its particular strength.

A more in depth definition and description of blended learning from the Commonwealth of Learning can be found here.

Blended Courses at Dawson College:

- - - Consult the Dawson College Policy on Blended Courses.
    - Consult the application process to teach a blended course(s) during the 2023-2024 academic year here.
    - Dawson is fortunate to have a community of practice with many fellows, who have completed professional development in blended courses. Their portfolios and resources can be viewed on the E-Learning Community of Practice webpage.
    - Additional resources to help with designing a blended learning course can be found below.

Designing a Blended Course

Designing for Blended Learning from the Commonwealth of Learning
The Building Blocks of an Online Lesson
Blended Learning vs. Online Learning (Open Ed Alberta)
Blended Learning Toolkit (University of Central Florida)
Teaching and Learning in College-level Competency-based Programs in Quebec – Video Series (Login to SharePoint required)

Design for All Types of Learners

Making Learning Inclusive and Accessible – short video tutorials anchored in best practices
Inclusive Teaching Practices Toolkit
Universal Design for Learning Guidelines from CAST.org
Resources for Ensuring Accessibility in Remote Learning
Design Your Course for All Types of Learners
Use a PowerPoint Template! Here is a sample of the most popular Accessible PowerPoint Templates fully optimized for use by people with visual disabilities (Microsoft Support)

For students with accommodations through the Student AccessAbility Centre (SAAC):

Online learning and accommodations From the Centre Collégial de Soutien à l’Intégration
Visit the Dawson Student AccessAbility webpage

Creating your Online Presence

When students feel connected, focused, energized, and supported, their learning will reach its maximum potential.- Fostering Engagement: Facilitating Online Courses in higher Education (University of Waterloo)

Engaging Students in Blended Courses

Engage Your Students: 20 Proven Ways!
Tips for Creating an Engaging Asynchronous Online Class
Tips for Creating an Engaging Synchronous Online Class
Flipped Class with Group WorkCourtesy of the DALC and SALTISE
A Jigsaw with Group RolesCourtesy of the DALC and SALTISE
Plan and Facilitate Effective Discussions
Facilitating Discussion
Cultivating Community with a Pedagogy of Play

With Moodle

Evaluating for Student Learning in Blended Courses

Consider CATs

Consider using Classroom Assessment Techniques or CATs (adapted for online use) to quickly assess for learning (as opposed to assessment of learning) and then follow up with appropriate feedback.