Differentiating Instruction in Blended Learning Classrooms (T3)

Final course in the teacher series, where we analyze how to use online content, blended learning models, and data to meet individual student needs.

This course explores different methodologies for providing online and blended learning opportunities to differentiate instruction for various student populations. If you are looking for ways to meet individual student needs, this course is for you. Participants will examine how to create or adapt instruction based on different needs of learners by differentiating instruction in the blended learning classroom.

Topics include:

• Four instructional methods of differentiation: 1) content, 2) process, 3) products, and 4) learning environment
• Distinction between differentiation, personalization and individualized instruction
• Components of a competency-based learning environment
• Best practices of differentiating instruction in an online and blended environment
• Meeting the needs of special populations

Duration: 15-20 hours
Time Frame: 4 weeks (suggested)
Audience: K-12 teachers
Course Format: Independent Study
Independent Study (IS) courses are self-directed and do not have a course instructor. Participants will:

• Manage your own learning experience through pacing and completion
• Set goals and define what is worthwhile for you to learn
• Take initiative and responsibility for your own learning
• Keep a reflective journal to process new knowledge
• Utilize the discussion board to share thoughts and projects with others

Participants will have access to the course for three months.

Learning Modules: This course is divided into four learning modules which contain lessons, discussions, check for understanding interactives, projects, and assessments. Estimated times for each module are provided below. Four weeks is suggested to complete the course.

Module 1 – Differentiated Instruction
Time: Approximately 4 hours

• Define differentiation.
• Understand the need to differentiate.
• Articulate the ways in which to differentiate.

Module 2 – Identifying Student Needs
Time: Approximately 4 hours

• Explore characteristics of at-risk and special population students.
• Identify how online content can be differentiated to meet various student needs.
• Analyze students needs to determine 'best fit' digital learning environments.

Module 3 – Personalized and Competency-Based Instruction
Time: Approximately 3.5 hours

• Identify the difference between differentiation and personalization.
• Understand the components of a competency-based learning environment.
• Know how and where competency-based instruction is used in online and blended learning.

Module 4 – Individualized Instruction
Time: Approximately 4 hours

• Define individualized instruction.
• Explore new learning and teaching models for individualized instruction.
• Develop individualized learning plans.