Z FIERCE = (Getty Images) Although many colleges and universities supported blended learning models prior to COVID-19, the pandemic has accelerated the shift from the classroom to a blended model of synchronous and asynchronous learning. The effectiveness of blended learning depends on how instructors integrate the two different learning modes into a cohesive whole that combines the best of face-to-face instruction and online learning. Itis certain that even after students return to campus full-time, the blended learning model is, here to stay. By this time, most colleges and universities have made the required investment in technology and infrastructure that can support significant online and interactive activities. It is important that whatever technology is used in blended learning that it makes the student's user experience as simple as possible. The Inorderto deliver a personalized and enhanced ste navigation, we store information on how you ue the site. By continuing te use ths site and access consenting to our use of caches. For more information, lease see the Questex PacZ FIERCE = Uhuciakanuiig Huw SUucHLS Soult UeoL ain HUW KELHIIMINgY Galt SUppuse Gat, BI SARNNE LHe UauIQMUnaE HUE of instruction and shifting to something new requires instructors to reexamine their teaching styles and course design, as well as their own professional development. Here are some best practices to ensure that hybrid courses effectively engage students: |, Put students at the center of the learning. To create the learner-driven experience, itis essential to build strong relationships between the instructor and students as well as students with each other. 2. Set clear expectations on goals and objectives. This is always important but even more so if the transition to a blended learning model is new for the student. It is better to overcommunicate expectations than to leave students with questions. 3. Be deliberate in linking face-to-face and virtual learning. For example, pair classroom, presentations with follow-up online small group discussions using the break-out rooms that video conferencing provides. Instructors may find that video chats allow more vigorous discussions than those in the classroom, 4, Boost interactivity: Use a poll to launch a discussion or provide opportunities for students to communicate with each other through a dedicated social media channel or asynchronous discussion through a learning management system, 5. Provide collaboration tools and opportunities. Project management tools, such as Google, Teams, OneNote of other software are proven tools to facilitate group work. Your students can use data collection tools such as Google Forms and Survey Monkey, and there are presentation tools, such as PowerPoint and Google Slides to demonstrate their learning. 6. Create interactive resources such as quizzes and online games. Most students are now familiar with gamified learning platforms. Utilize those that are appropriate for your subject area and students will engage. Also, instructors can support students in developing their own games. 7. Assess students in new ways. Instead of, or in addition to papers and tests, have students use digital resources to create podcasts, blogs, videos, or eBooks that synthesize and demonstrate their understanding of content. Incorporating these practices pre-suppose an instructor's willingness to change their own understanding of effective instructional strategies. And there are clear benefits to reconsidering the elements of effective blended learning. The impact of these practices can result in enhancing the student experience, expanding participation, improving accessibility and inclusion and potentially improving student outcomes. Once past, the immediate COVID-19 pandemic and the emergency transition to remote learning, colleges and universities will continue to transform how they teach with digital tools and resources to create an engaging, integrated blended learning experience for students, sesitananenest) (ashenAleacicn ) OUR NEWSLETTER Inorder to deliver a personalized and enhanced site navigation, we store information on how you ue the site. By continuing te use ths site and access consenting to our use ofcackes. For more information, please see the Questex PrvaZ FIERCE moe [Ener county ¥ RELATED ARTICLES Yon UC Berkeley Expands Analytics Program for Women and Minorities to se this site and access}Z FIERCE = mr (Getty mages) UC Berkeley is expanding its Step Into Data program in an effort to attract more women and minorities into data careers. ‘The Step into Data program uses a combination of in-person and remote learning to reach people who are under-represented in Artificial Intelligence (Al), Machine Learning (ML), and Data Analytics. In addition to new locations across the United States, the program is expected to rapidly expand to other countries including The Netherlands, France, Georgia, and India, This is a significant step into providing students with tools they can use to secure employment after, graduation, According to UC Berkeley, employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029. ‘The program has been made possible thanks to the four-year public/private partnership between UC Berkeley Haas School of Business ~ Fisher Center for Business Analytics’ Program Director, Gauthiei Vasseur, and Pyramid Analytics (Pyramid), a pioneering decision intelligence platform provider. The Fisher Center's Alliance for Inclusive Al (AIAI) program provides data and analytics workshops to improve inclusivity and accessibility to analyties ‘The Step into Data workshop provides hands-on experience with the Pyramid Decision Intelligence Platform. AIAI programs often feature learners who have plateaued in Excel or basic business intelligence (Bl) tools and want to learn more. They are walked through the rapid process of preparing and analyzing data on Pyramid’s governed self-service platform. Learners in these workshops can experiment with problems from school or work and strategize solutions using Pyramid. Even when the programs are over, participants can continue to learn and refine their data science skills ~ accessed via the dedicated Pyramid server at UC Berkeley. Some of the key points of the Step into Data program includ * Pyramid Analytics supports Program Director Gauthier Vasseur’s 15-hour Step into Data workshops through the Fisher Center’s Alliance for Inclusive Artificial Intelligence (AIAl) initiative and Data Wise Academy. * ‘The Pyramid Decision Intelligence Platform is at the core of the curriculum. * Pyramid Analytics provides free licenses to program participants. * AIAI provides opportunities for women, minorities, and other people in underserved communities by providing access to data literacy training, and education. Inorder to deliver a personalized and enhanced ste navigation, we store information on how you ue the site. By continuing te use ths site and access consenting to our use of caches. For more information, lease see the Questex PacZ FIERCE = learners who have taken the program is consistently positive and many report that they now have the skills to apply decision intelligence to solve problems and drive positive change. Diversity in data and analytics enriches all aspects of the data value chain, bringing different perspectives to problem-solving and decision-making across the business. “Lam passionate about using my platform to spread the world about data analytics, empowering people to make faster, more informed decisions with data,” said Gauthier Vasseur. “At the core of this work is creating a more diverse and equitable business analytics space. [Diversity, equity, and inclusion] (DEI) is not just something we should do; we must do it. The data analytics chain is still too dominated by the same social ‘groups, with the same limited perspectives when reading an algorithm or a piece of analysis. Diversity of thought brings with it fresh insights, skills, and approaches - driving new and innovative ways of doing things across the business.” ‘Vasseur has an extensive background in data, having spent a decade in Silicon Valley with technology companies including Brio, Google, Hyperion, Oracle, and various startups in the space. At‘The AIAI, Vasseur isa champion for efforts to create a more inclusive space for business analytics, helping connect the benefits of the technology with underserved communities around the world. For more than a decade, Vasseur has worked with business teams and students around the world to help them master data and analytics. He is a leading voice at UC Berkeley for data analytics, building ties with universities, professional associations, and Fortune 500 companies. Decision Intelligence is the Next Big Data Analytics Innovation Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an increasingly important analytics technology. However, AT is pretty much limited to highly-trained practitioners, and until now, there has been no easy way to integrate the essential Al components of Data Prep, Business Analytics, and Data Science. For Omri Kohl, Chief Executive Officer, and Co-Founder of Pyramid Analytics, the benefits of technology should be available for all. “Business intelligence and analytics is a revolutionary and essential field in today's economy and it should not require a background in data science to make the most of it.” slnelingn a RELATED ARTICLES ‘Symaliety: 2 College Recrulting Preparing Students for High Inorder to deliver a personalized and enhanced ste navigation, we store information on how you use the site. By continuing te use ths site and access consenting to our use of caches. For more information, pease see the Questex PrvaZ FIERCE Inorder to deliver a personalized and enhanced site navigation, we store information on how you ue the site By continuing te use ths site and access consenting to our use of caches For more information, lease see the Questex Privacy Palicy,Z FIERCE Inorder to deliver a personalized and enhanced ste navigation, we store information on how you ue the site By continuing te use ths site and access consenting to our use of caches. For more information, lease see the Questex Prvacy Palicy,Z FIERCE Inorder to deliver a personalized and enhanced site navigation, we store information on how you ue the site. By continuing te use ths site and access consenting to our use of caches. For more information, lease see the Questex Prvacy Palicy,Z FIERCE Inorder to deliver a personalized and enhanced ste navigation, we store information on how you ue the site. By continuing te use ths site and access consenting to our use of caches. For more information, lease see the Questex Pvacy Palicy,Z FIERCE NN Inorder to deliver a personalized and enhanced ste navigation, we store information on how you ue the site By continuing te use ths site and access consenting to our use of caches. For more information, lease see the Questex Prvacy Pali,