Prepare for Blended Learning: Expectations and Resources

This is a blended course where 60% of the class is in person and 40% is online.

Face-to-face

In-class discussions and activities
Presentations
Mini-lessons

Online via Canvas

Discussion forums
Pre-class activities
Resource hub

New to Canvas and e-learning?

Check out the e-learning Help and Resource modules to get started.

Expectations

Our class will involve both online activities and in-person meetings. Our classes will run on a weekly Monday to Monday schedule. Every Monday morning, an online pre-class activity will automatically open. You are required to participate in these pre-class activities and be ready to engage in in-class activities/discussions on Thursday morning.

It is essential that you:

  • Participate in class activities/discussions. These may include:
    • Readings
    • Watching videos
    • Participating in discussion forums
    • Critiquing a resource/tool
  • Log into Canvas at least three times a week
  • Attend all the 3-hour classes (Thursday 9 AM – 12 PM)

 

(N)etiquette and communication

This course is a safe and inclusive space. We expect you to be respectful and professional both in-person and online. Everyone is welcome to share their views and we can have a constructive conversation that will help us all learn better.

If you have questions, please contact me through Canvas' messaging system. You must include a subject in your message. I will get back to you within 72 hours.

Discussion Forums

The online discussion forums are like our in-person conversations: the goal is to stimulate thought and reflection. Try to follow these five guidelines for your posts:

  1. Share informed opinions
    Do the appropriate preparation (readings, activities) before jumping in.

  2. Continue the conversation
    Read the other posts and replies before you comment. Introduce new ideas/resources and build on what has already been said.

  3. Respect the opinions of others
    It's okay to disagree, but it's not okay to express disagreement disrespectfully.

  4. Provide constructive feedback
    Keep in mind the feelings of your peers. Focus on the strengths and give suggestions to improve.

  5. Check your work before you post, be mindful of your replies
    Everyone can read your posts so make sure your spelling and grammar don't interfere with understanding the meaning of your messages. If you're receiving feedback from a peer, take it as a learning opportunity.

Instructor Feedback

My online presence is like my in-person one. My goal is for YOU to engage in the conversations and I am interested in what YOU think. In class, I don't comment on every point that you make, but I am listening and providing feedback based on what you share.

For our online forums, I am reading everything that you post but I won't comment all the time. I will comment to share additional resources, provide a prompt to re-direct a conversation, draw attention to some ideas, and ask questions.

You and your peers are a wealth of knowledge and I want to learn from your experiences too. Your online posts may be further discussed in class as part of our class activities.

In terms of your assignments, I will try my best to post the grades and feedback within one week of the assignment submission.