
The UA College of Continuing Studies has named Dr. Kimberly Blitch a 2019 Innovation Scholar in Residence. Innovation Scholar award programs give online teaching faculty and content experts the opportunity to benefit from technology funding, and Innovation Team consultation and support toward a proposed Innovation project.
Dr. Blitch's project involves course enhancement of HD 321 (distance delivery), a key foundations course in early childhood curriculum planning. In the course, students design and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children. The key learning demands in HD 321 are that students develop, implement, and reflect on their teaching practices. Students learn best practices in teaching young children, assessing their learning and development, and guiding their behavior. Students develop their teacher identities and philosophies of practice as well.
Course enhancement methods will focus on: fully leveraging distance students' limited disposable time; integrating their tangible, real-world experience in their learning (as many are already practicing professionals); supporting optimal student engagement through creative and engaging instruction and supporting instructional methods/technologies; and maximizing the accessibility of all UA resources to distance learners.
Dr. Blitch's project involves course enhancement of HD 321 (distance delivery), a key foundations course in early childhood curriculum planning. In the course, students design and implement developmentally appropriate learning experiences for young children. The key learning demands in HD 321 are that students develop, implement, and reflect on their teaching practices. Students learn best practices in teaching young children, assessing their learning and development, and guiding their behavior. Students develop their teacher identities and philosophies of practice as well.
Course enhancement methods will focus on: fully leveraging distance students' limited disposable time; integrating their tangible, real-world experience in their learning (as many are already practicing professionals); supporting optimal student engagement through creative and engaging instruction and supporting instructional methods/technologies; and maximizing the accessibility of all UA resources to distance learners.