After several years of floundering around with our LMS, I believe MSU is finally ready to move forward to incorporate a new teaching model: Blended Instruction. Most people seem to use the expression, “blended learning,” but I prefer “instruction” to describe the teaching and learning process. Based on Rogers’ innovation adaptation curve (well described here by Sue Waters), I believe even MSU’s late adapters are on board with Moodle. Yes, we still have a few laggards, but they’ll catch up.
Therefore, I have set a goal to write a strategy for blended instruction at MSU by the end of this semester (F ’11) and to implement that strategy during the oncoming semesters. The strategy will include a plan for training, a set of recommended delivery models and suggestions for how to market these courses. I am reading up on Dr. Larry Ragan’s competencies for being prepare to deliver blended instruction(described by UCD Media Services) and have asked our faculty mentors to rank the competencies that they find most important. I have also recruited the mentors to help me the process of writing a definition of “blended” that is contextual to our institution. Meanwhile, I am reading up on Brian Beatty’s HyFlex model of delivery. I’m hoping that this will continue to develop into a well-planned endeavor. More on this topic in the future.
