A description of the BlendKit2011 open online course that is part of the Blended Learning Toolkit funded by the Next Generation Learning Challenges project

1. BlendKit2011 aka generic, open online course for Blended Learning Toolkit partners and others

2. Goals Design and develop your blended learning course Consideration of key issues related to blended learning and practical guidance in helping you produce actual materials for your blended course (i.e., from design documents through creating content pages to peer review feedback at your own institutions).

3. What Is an Open Online Course? “freely allowing people outside the university to view course materials and informally participate in the course” - Dr. David Wiley (open online course pioneer) “While OERs are merely content, OOCs are live courses, which include direct participation of teachers and rich and valuable interaction among participants.” Fini, A. (2009). The technological dimension of a massive open online course: The case of the CCK08 course tools. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning , 10(5). Retrieved May 27, 2011 from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/643/1402

4. Why an Open Online Course? Open materials may be used at any time for self-study well beyond the NGLC grant period No differences in course management systems to get in the way of the course Easier for participants to self-select course components with which to engage More diverse group, larger number of participants with whom to interact

5. How Will It Work? Open readings, document templates, how-tos + Five weeks of facilitation: Weekly encouraging messages Weekly 30 min. webinars featuring guest blended learning instructors & discussion with others Weekly reading/activity reflection prompts for blogging (more interaction with others). Social networking opportunities for more interaction You choose with which of these you will engage!

6. Schedule of Topics

7. What Will I Have When It’s Over? It Depends... If you fully engage with all aspects you will have: better understanding of blended learning models/practices collection of blogged reflections on readings your blogged notes and comments of others on your materials connection to community of others interested in blended learning design documents for your blended course completed course materials for blended course ideasfrom seasoned blended learning instructors checklist of anything left to finish in your course plan for getting peer review feedback at your institution

8. What’s Next? Interested? Register at http://bit.ly/blendkit2011_registration Questions? Email kelvin@ucf.edu Course materials on Blended Learning Toolkit web site by end of June: http://blendedlearningtoolkit.org