This document discusses how hybrid/blended learning features can enhance writing classes by packing more learning into them. It provides examples of activities that can be moved online, freeing up class time for hands-on writing guidance. Some benefits mentioned are promoting learner autonomy, less grading for teachers through automated feedback, and addressing objectives that don't always get class time. Several learning platforms are described that can be used to create online units, including Nearpod, Versal, Quizlet, and Blackboard. Examples are given of how the author has used these platforms, such as for APA style guidance and peer review discussions.

1. HOW HYBRID/BLENDED FEATURES
CAN PACK MORE LEARNING INTO
EAP WRITING CLASSES
Courtney King
Central Michigan University

2. HYBRID/BLENDED/ENRICHED?
Different applications and levels of commitment
Think flipped classroom, but take it further with
instruction, assessment, and feedback all potentially
provided digitally.
These are NOT online classes. We’re talking about your
face-to-face classes enhanced by the kinds of activities
and features you might find in an online course.

3. WHY BOTHER?
Our objectives lists are not
getting shorter
We don’t always get to stick to
the objectives
Many of our students are “digital
natives” and may prefer/enjoy
the format
The students who are not digital
natives still need a certain level
of tech-savvy to survive
Learning to complete tasks
online is, some argue, part of our
evolving job as EAP instructors
Promotes learner autonomy
Selfish perks:
Less grading! (potentially)
Automatic feedback! (potentially)

4. WHAT CAN WE DO?
Entire units can be presented in a digital format with class time being used to
troubleshoot, teach the tech skills needed to complete the tasks, and go over student
responses.
The number/frequency of online units is up to you, your students, and the need as it
arises. It isn’t a commitment.
Save your face-to-face time for helping students with their individual needs, building
models together, and teaching the writing skills that you are supposed to be focusing
on.
Those grammar points you want to address but don’t have the class time for? The APA
tedium you pull your hair out over? Build an online unit and use it again and again! See
what they need and fill in the gaps when they arrive in the classroom.
Focus on the hands on writing guidance we’re getting paid to provide.

5. GROUP YOURSELVES
Form groups with as many people you do not know as possible.
Answer the following questions:
What brought you to this session?
What are you hoping to gain tonight?
What kind of activities do you envision happening online in a hybrid writing
class?
What tasks do you dread in your face-to-face writing classroom?
What tasks do you never have enough time for in your face-to-face classroom
that you wish you could spend more time on?

6. HOW?
Cost
for
Teachers
Cost
for
Students
Automatic
Feedback
Primary Advantage
Potential
Downfall
$12/month
$120/year*
Free Yes
Ease of use (import
existing .ppts)
No option to save
progress and complete
the task at a later time
$50/year Free Yes Appearance
No option for saving
student grades, only
tracking their progress
$40/year* Free Yes
Can hold students
responsible for
creating content
Only tracks studying;
Assessments have to
occur outside the app
Free* Free* Yes
Seamlessly
integrated into
everything else you
do
Maintenance times
prevent students from
accessing content; not
the most user-friendly

7. $12/month
Web
Present,
Practice,
& Assess
NEARPOD
Capabilities
Present entire units, link to outside
content, show videos, assess students with
quizzes, short response questions,
drawings
Used for
Grammar, APA/MLA, finding sources,
narrowing a topic, writing topic sentences,
almost anything you can think of
BONUS
Other teachers have created content that
is free or affordable for premium users

8. WHAT I’VE DONE SO FAR WITH NEARPOD
Succeeding in Higher Education Workbook
companion which engages students in an
otherwise dull guide to academic integrity by
giving examples and showing understanding
Choosing a Great Research Topic step-by-step
guide provides a little hand-holding so students
come to class with usable ideas

9. $40/year
Web
Present
&
Practice
VERSAL
Capabilities
Present entire units, link to outside
content, show videos, require students to
complete quizzes before moving on to
future units, track student completion
Used for
Grammar, APA/MLA, finding sources,
narrowing a topic, writing topic sentences,
any topic you can find external content for
or are willing to create
BONUS
Many pre-created modules are available for
you to simply drag and drop into your
course and then customize, such as a
typing practice and matching exercise

10. WHAT I’VE DONE SO FAR WITH VERSAL
APA unit with games, guidelines, links to other
sources, and a quiz required to move on to the
next unit
Parallel Structure unit with videos
Typing practice

11. $30/year
Web
Practice
QUIZLET
Capabilities
Flashcard program that allows teachers to
create study sets and distribute them to
students. Students to keep track of their
progress with the set and compete. Now
allows for pictures and recorded
pronunciation.
Used for
Vocabulary from the assigned readings
(teacher-created or student-created),
writing terms, grammar vocabulary
BONUS
Once you create a study set you can use it
with new classes. Student tracking allows
you to see which students have used the
study sets and which ones have not. Useful
in conferences.

12. WHAT I’VE DONE SO FAR WITH QUIZLET
Vocabulary units based on the chapter’s
vocabulary
Writing jargon study sets
Student-identified vocabulary from the readings
in the unit

13. Free*
Web
Present,
Practice,
& Assess
BLACKBOARD
Capabilities
Present entire units in content folders,
embed or link to outside content
(including any of the aforementioned
tools), show videos, assess and record
grades seamlessly in the platform you
already use
Used for
Grammar, APA/MLA, finding sources,
narrowing a topic, writing topic sentences,
any topic you can find external content for
or are willing to create
BONUS
Students most likely already know how to
access Bb. Less student resistance to the
platform and more cohesion with the rest
of your program/university.

14. WHAT I’VE DONE SO FAR WITH BLACKBOARD
APA unit with videos to help with formatting,
online guides, sample papers, and a quiz to test
understanding.
Graded Discussion Board Peer Review with
extremely detailed instructions and Writer’s
Workshop questions that guide the responses

15. GROUP ACTIVITY
With your group, make a list of topics/tasks you
might be able to move from the classroom to an
online unit.
Which platform(s) might you use for each? Why?
What activities would you have more time for in
the classroom if these other units were moved
online?

16. THANK YOU!
Courtney Elizabeth King
king2ce@cmich.edu
www.courtneyelizabethking.com