Foundations of Blended Learning

30 CPE and 6 G/T eligibleThe purpose of this course is to increase your knowledge of blended learning and provide you the opportunity to research best practices to model in your own classrooms. You will conduct a series of learning activities to discover best blended learning practices and resources to integrate into personalized learning spaces. 

New cohorts begin monthly.

Contact us about upcoming 30-minute webinars where you can get an overview of the professional development and ask questions.

The Texas Education Agency will reimburse Texas school districts and open enrollment charter schools (local education agencies) for UTeach Blended Learning professional development through August 2023. 

Read testimonials from teachers and administrators about our blended learning courses.

Course length: 12 weeks
CPE hours: 30

After completion of this course, you qualify to take the UTeach Advanced Blended Learning Course.

For more information about registering for the Blended Learning course, complete this form.

If you have any questions, please contact us at pdinfo@uteach.utexas.edu.

Learn more about blended learning in this short UTeach video.

Module 1 Blended Learning: Where Do I Start? (4 hours) 

This module explores relevant research literature to help you construct a new understanding of blended learning. You will become familiar with tools and strategies indicative of a blended learning environment and develop systems for creating your own blended learning classroom. The learning activities embedded throughout the course will help you answer the driving question: What does blended learning look like in my classroom? 

Learning Objectives

    • Research current blended learning practices and the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for educators and summarize findings.
    • Learn about different models of blended learning and create a station rotation module.
    • Review four reliable technology tools that are often integrated into blended classrooms: Seesaw, Nearpod, Flipgrid, and Padlet.
    The deeper understanding of blended learning gained in this course will help me be a stronger leader as our district continues to develop blended learning over three phases of implementation. This upcoming year it will be very important to focus on individualized learning pathways. The past year and a half has left some students with gaps in learning. But not all students. After a year of seeing some students and teachers completely disengaged in both virtual and in-person learning, giving students voice and choice would be a way to re-engage in learning.

    —Cindy Marez, Elementary Math Specialist, Galena Park ISD

    Module 2 Personalized Learning in the Blended Classroom (6 hours, GT credit eligible) 

    This module encourages you to develop strategies to personalize instruction to meet the needs of individual students. Technology tools provide access to a multitude of resources to assist with personalization as well as the incorporation of tools and strategies to foster a personalized learning experience in a blended classroom. As you work through each of the assignments, keep in mind the driving question of this module: Which personalized learning strategies should be consistently used in my blended classroom to enhance student learning? 

    Learning Objectives

      • Research personalized learning and share findings with classmates.
      • Create a sample personalized learning plan and provide/receive peer feedback.
      • Review sample data tracking systems and develop a tool to support student data tracking.

      Sample work products: 5E Differentiated Blended Lesson Plans

      I would recommend the UTeach Professional Development Foundations of Blended Learning course as a 10! It was a very positive experience that changed my thinking and made me want to change some teaching modes. The instructors were encouraging and affirming. Throughout the course, its concepts were modeled. I loved the demonstration within the teaching! I think our students will enjoy it as well and find learning more fun than ever! —Jane Colbert, Special Education Teacher, Save Our Streets Center, Arrow Academy Charter Schools, Bryan

      Module 3 Tools and Strategies for Managing a Blended Learning Environment (8 hours) 

      In this module, you will discover innovative tools and resources for managing the variety of activities taking place in a blended learning environment. You will design a classroom management plan, create technology-enhanced learning activities, and develop strategies to foster digital citizenship in your own blended classroom. You will research, implement, and collaborate while developing personalized responses to the driving question: What tools and strategies will be most effective for managing my blended classroom? 

      Learning Objectives

        • Research blended classroom management tools and develop a blended classroom management plan.
        • Participate in discussions regarding enhancement of communication and collaboration.
        • Create a blended 5E lesson plan.

        Sample work products: 21st Century Classroom Management Plans and Lesson Plans

        I love this course! I've learned so very much and will definitely be using the things I learned in my classes! It's the BEST PD I've ever taken in more than 20 years. I also teach a dual-credit English class at Galveston College and will be implementing what I’ve learned in this PD there as well. —Leslie Cappiello, Ph.D., Secondary English Teacher, Galveston Campus, Odyssey Academy, Inc.

        Module 4 Capstone: Blended Learning Reflections (12 hours) 

        This module builds upon the blended learning principles from the previous modules. In this capstone course, you will observe blended learning classrooms, complete individualized efforts to enhance blended instruction, and reflect on current and future blended learning practices.

        The activities in this capstone course will assist in the creation of individual responses to the driving question: How do I best combine technology-enhanced tools, differentiation strategies, and management tools to transform my classroom into a blended learning environment? 

        Learning Objectives

          • Conduct observations of blended learning classrooms and provide feedback.
          • Choose blended learning topics from a menu of items to further research: digital citizenship, technology and the 5E learning cycle, student-centered learning, assessment, and more.
          • Write a blended learning action plan.
          • Write a reflection paper.
          Blended learning allows student choice and voice, responds to data, and uses technology in a meaningful way. This course is designed to showcase how learners can intentionally, purposefully, and meaningfully integrate technology. I hope to incorporate more of this into the professional learning I design and facilitate. Thank you for all the support in this course. I am excited to see the impact that this course has with both adult and student learners. —Kerise Ridinger, Coordinator of Professional Learning in Lewisville ISD

          Program personalization is available upon request.