Reflecting upon BlendKit 2014 blended course, new perspectives
were gained regarding how blended courses could benefit students,
as well as instructors when delivering required continuing
education and licensure courses. In forming a suitable question for
basing further blended course development, the following question
may aid in the development process: in what ways can a blended course
development approach improve effectiveness and efficiency for
delivering high quality educational experiences within the real
estate industry?
Implementing this question, the first benefit that my be realized is the
dual allowance for learning synchronously and asynchronously
by students. The opportunity for students to learn multiple and
alternative may promote higher levels of cognitive learning. In addition,
permitting remote participation may be more convenient at times
for students, especially for those who work full-time jobs and
have family responsibilities. On the contrary, those students
who may have the need to directly interact with their instructors
benefit from the in-class sessions eliminating the possible feeling
of totally being disconnected.
From an instructor's perspective, blended course delivery may offer
an increased amount of time for managing courses and responding
to students' need due to the decreased amount of time required in a
classroom. Moreover, integrating a blended mode may also aid in the
implementation of a flipped classroom scenario. By assigning reading
and work assignments for homework, students may be more attentive within
the classroom since they are given the opportunity to work on
their assignments before meeting in-class. Because more in-class
time is available, alternative learning experiences may take place
such as role playing, games, and other in-class group activities.
In conclusion, the implementation of blended courses may provide
a significant impact to my future development and delivery of
instructional courses. As identified in my original question,
effectiveness and efficiency are two important keys to the ongoing
success for my current course covering cybercrime and upcoming
courses on internet privacy and cybersecurity. With this in mind,
I envision offering these three courses in blended mode along with
online versions at the start so that I can make proper adjustments
for effectively and efficiently delivering higher learning experiences
to my future students.
--Corey
