Modules

Throughout all the modules, BOLT students will:

1. Build, curate and maintain professional learning networks (PLN) for online and blended teachers.
2. Explore Webinars, Online PD, MOOCs, Social Software, and Open Educational Resources (OERs) for ongoing professional learning.
3. Develop contributions to a professional learning network via sharing, collaborating and providing feedback.
4. Engage in evidence-based, professional conversations with colleagues regarding digital learning and teaching.

Areas of Study

The BOLT program is based on the modularization of three 3-credit MEd courses: MDDE 621, MDDE 603, and MDDE 620. Each 3-credit course has been reconstituted into three 1-credit modules. The modules maintain the same level of academic quality as the original courses, including equivalent content, assignments, and learning outcomes.

While students can take BOLT modules in any order, the curriculum is grouped into three main subject areas:

Online Learning and Teaching

• BOLT 671 - Introduction to K-12 Online Learning
• BOLT 672 - Online Teaching for K-12
• BOLT 673 - Advanced Study in K-12 Online Teaching
  
  Equivalency: MDDE 621 Online Teaching in Distance Education and Training

Learning Theory and Systems Analysis

• BOLT 674 - Learning Theories
• BOLT 675 - Instructional Design Elements
• BOLT 676 - Systems Theory and Learning
  
  Equivalency: MDDE 603 Foundations of Instructional Design: Systems Analysis and Learning Theory

Digital Tools for Learning

• BOLT 677 - K-12 Digital Tools for Change
• BOLT 678 - Evaluating K-12 Digital Tools
• BOLT 679 - Pedagogy for Digital Learning
  
  Equivalency: MDDE 620 Technology in Education Training

Online Interaction

Students communicate with the instructor and each other through computer-mediated communication (e-mail and computer conferencing). Assignments are submitted by electronic file transfer. Options for web conference (e.g. Adobe Connect) participation are provided and, to some degree, are dependent upon decisions of individual instructors and students.

Weekly Time Commitment

The recommended amount of time to spend upon a module will vary from student to student. However, the originating graduate courses have been designed so that successful students will spend between 10 to 12 hours each week. For the four weeks of a module, the first three weeks will include weekly online activity. During the fourth week, the online activity becomes optional and is intended as a time to complete the final assignment. Early access will allow BOLT students to prepare in advance of each module offering.