Core Blended Learning Project

University College and the Office of Online Education solicit proposals to convert FSU core curriculum classes to a blended format for Fall 2013. Using Title III funding, instructors are eligible for stipends to design, implement, and assess courses that will be part of the revised University College Core Curriculum for 2013-2014.

Background

Blended learning is a method of instruction that combines traditional classroom seat time with online activities. Blended learning takes advantage of the flexibility and active-learning features of online education as well as the structure and social interaction of face-to-face instruction. Studies have shown that student learning and satisfaction are at least as high in blended learning as in either online or classroom instruction.

In 2011-2012, FSU participated in a Next Generation Learning Challenges (NGLC) grant to pilot blended courses in selected core courses: UNIV 101-102, ENGL 110-120, and MATH 121-123. Using training materials developed by the University of Central Florida, a national leader in blended learning, instructors redesigned these courses to combine optimal features of classroom and face-to-face instruction. The results demonstrated that blended learning can succeed with FSU students.

In addition to providing equal or better learning outcomes, blended courses have the potential to maximize the use of campus facilities and to increase enrollment. This is because the blended format can allow more than one course to be scheduled during the same class period as a traditional class. The attractiveness of reduced commuting for off-campus students should result in increased enrollment, especially in evening or weekend classes.

Definitions and Eligibility

For the purposes of this project, a blended learning course is one in which up to 50% of the classroom meeting time is replaced either by supervised lab time or by completely online activities. A blended course must have an enrollment limit at least equal to face-to-face or online versions of the same course, whichever is greater.

Eligible courses are those certified for inclusion in the University College Core Curriculum by the end of Fall 2012.

The grant is open to full-time FSU faculty as well as full-time staff who teach core courses as part of their regular duties. It is not open to anyone who received a stipend as part of the NGLC project.

Requirements

Eligible instructors must submit a New Online/Hybrid Course Development Application form with required signatures to the Office of Online Education by the date listed below. Instructors will be notified whether their application has been accepted no later than December 7.

Instructors whose applications are approved must successfully complete a Blended/Hybrid Instructor Certification course to be offered by the Office of Online Education. (Instructors already certified in online instruction may follow an abbreviated training in the specifics of the blended format.) Instructors must follow the Office of Online Education's procedures for Blended Course Approval. Courses must include a plan for assessment of the core student learning outcome for which the course is certified.

Criteria

Funding for this faculty development initiative is provided by Title III. Funds are limited, and if the number of qualified applicants exceeds the number of grants available, awards will be based on the following criteria:

Distribution: No more than one grant will be awarded per core course, and an effort will be made to distribute awards over the maximum number of core student learning outcomes.
Experience: Applicants with experience teaching online will be given preference.
Term Type: Because the most benefit to University enrollment is likely to come from evening and weekend courses, instructors teaching such courses will be given preference.

Timeline

December 3, 2012: Deadline for submission of New Online/Hybrid Course Development Application form with required signatures to the Office of Online Education.
December 12, 2012: Notification of awardees.
March 1, 2013: Deadline for completion of training and submission of revised syllabus and related materials.

For More Information

...contact the Office of Online Education.