Using the Cloud for

Blended Learning
in Higher Education

Presented by:

Judy Walters
Umeka Naidoo
Nevin ElGazzar


Outline
Context
Theoretical Framework
Cloud Learning
PBL
+
Framework
Course Details
The Task
Design Strategy
Evaluation = YOUR TASK

Context and Goals
HE without LMS, tech tools or budget
Instructor for Leadership in Multicultural Organizations
Wants to use IBL for PBL
Want to try blended learning for free
Goal: Use cloud learning for project-based learning
Theoretical Framework
Inquiry
Based
Learning
Project
Based
Learning
Blended
Learning
Cloud
Cloud Learning
What is cloud learning?
Cloud computing (CC) is a term for networked computers that deliver IT
services over the internet to many users in and on demand
environment. In that sense, cloud computing offers cheaper way to
acquire and use IT services as they can reach the cloud or the resources
needed that is why it is called on-demand computing. (Thomas, 2010)
Advantages
Cost effective, enhanced engagement, collaboration, transparency,
Concerns
Privacy, security, anonymity, capacity, surveillance, reliability, liability

Cloud Examples
Cloud computing technologies used in Indian Rural
Schools and Engineering College Education
China has started a cloud-based education program
Sri Lanka used cloud computing to bridge the gap
between rural and urban areas.
Botswana used cloud computing for Scholarship of
Teaching and Learning





PBL
+
Framework
1. Students given complex real world task.
2. Work in teams to develop plan for completing task.
3. Find authentic situation to conduct their inquiry.
4. Gather information to support inquiry + complete task.
5. Share, evaluate, analyze and synthesize information and
determine how to use it to complete the task.
6. Decide how to share results and what artifacts to create.

Learners scaffolded by both the instructor and cloud tools.

Course Details
Competency Domains
Multiculturalism
Strategic planning
Leadership/Teamwork
Organizational development
Intercultural awareness and communication
Critical, analytical and creative thinking
Problem solving and decision making
Digital literacy
Duration: 4 weeks
Teams: 3- 6 people
Rationale for
Choosing Cloud Tools
Free online learning
Collaborative learning
Simple to learn
Easy to incorporate other tech tools (video)
Transparent feedback
Communication: teacher-learner & learner-
learner
Task + instructions
Find an organization that wants to become more
multicultural. Develop strategies its leaders can
use to make their organization more multicultural.
Make sure the strategies you propose are
research-informed, organization-appropriate and
implementable.
Creatively present your recommendations to the
organizations leadership team and submit an
organization development report with references.
Design Strategy
Design Strategy - Handout

Scenario: Challenges and Strategies
Please click here
https://sites.google.com/site/blendedlearning12/
https://titanpad.com/OVzXxaXE4E





Design Strategy Evaluation


Your thoughts



Transforming the way many teachers teach and many
students learn (Carter, 2012, p. 3).

References
Garrison, R. (2011). E-Learning in the 21st Century: A Framework for Research and
Practice. New York: Routledge.
Carter, K. J. (2012). Google Docs: A virtual gold mine for supporting collaboration
and learning. Unpublished document.
Friesen, S. (2013). Inquiry Based Learning. In R.C. Richey (Ed.) Encyclopedia of
Terminology for Educational and Communications and Technology. New York, NY:
Springer.
Gutierrez, I. (2013). Project Based Learning in R. C. Richey (Ed.) Encyclopedia of
Terminology for Educational Communications and Technology. pp. 325-326. New
York, NY: Springer.
Johnson, L., Adams Becker, S., Estrada, V., Freeman, A. (2014). NMC Horizon Report:
2014 Higher Education Edition. Austin, Texas: The New Media Consortium.