Penn State University Blended Learning Initiative

Blended Learning Initiative

The Blended Learning Initiative is a University-wide effort funded by the Provost to enhance the undergraduate experience by creating both online and hybrid versions of key Penn State courses. These re-designed courses will improve instructional effectiveness and increase flexibility of course offerings for both students and faculty.

Overview

 The Blended Learning Initiative was launched to transform large enrollment undergraduate courses to online or blended environments. This “dual-use” strategy will provide flexible access to high demand courses in the undergraduate curriculum and to introductory or core courses in key majors. In addition, this integration of e-learning into regular course offerings provides students with the opportunity to make continuous progress regardless of location.

Project Leadership

The Initiative is being coordinated by a leadership team that includes representatives from:
• The Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence,
• Teaching and Learning with Technology,
• Undergraduate Education
• The World Campus

Project leadership is being provided through the World Campus. Teaching and Learning with Technology and the World Campus are collaborating with academic units on the development of the 40 undergraduate courses in both fully online and hybrid formats.  Course selection currently is complete. The Blended Learning Initiative Leadership Team used guidelines provided by the Provost, and input and data from ACUE, the registrar, and non-UP campuses to identify a target set of courses.