Blended learning

From RSCWMWiki

Contents 1 Introduction 2 Theory 3 models 4 External links 5 See also 6 RSC contacts

Introduction

This page will cover the theory and practice of combining technology supported methods to supplement or replace traditional classroom teaching.

One definition close to my interpretation of the blended delivery mode:

Blended learning ‘Blended learning’ is the requirement to undertake learning via multiple, mandated modes of delivery. Mandated is the key concept – not optional – this means that a component or components of a learning experience need to be undertaken in forms other than face-to-face, i.e., Internet, CD-Rom, Distance, etc. Blended learning is often confused with flexible delivery. In fact, they are quite different; there is no choice in the blended model although the blended model could include a flexible module.

I think this quote from the HEA 2006 report on blended learning sums up the rationale behind the need for educators to embrace new ways of using e-learning in interactive, discursive, and engaging ways.

" ....From the institutional visits and the review of course evaluations, we observed that there were three ways in which the term ‘blended learning’ was being used. Currently the most common type of blended learning is the provision of supplementary resources for courses that are conducted along predominantly along traditional lines through an institutionally supported virtual learning environment. Second, we found some, but far fewer, impressive examples of transformative course level practices underpinned by radical course designs. These often make use of technology to facilitate interaction and communication and replace other modes of teaching and learning."

ref: The undergraduate experience of blended e-learning: a review of UK literature and practice. Oct 2006. HEA.

Rhona Sharpe, Greg Benfield, George Roberts, Richard Francis

URL : http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/assets/York/documents/ourwork/research/literature_reviews/blended_elearning_exec_summary_1.pdf

Theory

• The blended page at the elearning centre contains many articles and reports on this much tried and tested model of technology supported learning.

• The Austrialian flexible learning portal offers plenty of advice and models to implement felxibly delivery & assessment methods.

models

• The Center for Academic Transformation has some case studies covering the redesigin of courses to include more student centric ways of learning using technology.

• Try and implement a scaffolded progression model like the Gilly Salmons 5 stage model: that helps students move towards a greater self autonomy & reflective way of working. A simple reflective model like Driscoll or Kolb would also help out here?

• http://www.dialogplus.org/

• The ADDIE model is a systematic instructional design model consisting of five phases: (1) Analysis, (2) Design, (3) Development, (4) Implementation, and (5) Evaluation. Various flavors and versions of the ADDIE model exist. i.e >>

• Learner Centric Instructional Design| The LaddiE Model

• A model for effective implementation of flexible programme delivery.

• The blended model by Moonen & Collis - is based upon research and contained in their book flexible learning in a digital world

External links

Links to external web sites.

• See also links in 2007 Moodle course

• my blended learning bookmarks pointing towards other web resources.

• The blended learning guide from webjunction.
• The basics of distance education (1993). Useful to understand some of the concepts to mix with F2F delivery.

• Distance learning objects (design): Have you thought about using the Open Access course on this topic created by the OU? This unit looks at the pedagogical issues involved in the creation and selection of self-study educational resources for a set of intended learning outcomes as exemplified here on OpenLearn.

• I have also created a course on instructional design you are more than welcome to use

awaiting new URL - I made use of this course http://www.knowledgebank.irri.org/eLearningForDev/default.htm to help me create it a few years ago.

• One of the most widely supported e-pedagogies being utilised by curriculum designers is the constructivist and social constructivist theory. It’s a solid theory to ensure student focussed, active, and collaborative learning.

Herts, Glamorgan & Wolverhampton Uni's both have some excellent resources connected to curriculum redesign in a blended context:

• http://www.wlv.ac.uk/default.aspx?page=18442
• http://www.herts.ac.uk/about-us/learning-and-teaching/blended-learning-institute/home.cfm
• http://celt.glam.ac.uk/Applying_Blended_Learning/?c=Smoothies-Resources. Glamorgan have some excellent resources to help you desing and apply blended learning into the curriculum.

See also

Links to other pages in the RSC MediaWiki

Introduction_to_pedagogy

RSC contacts

• Kevin Brace contributed this article. He can be contacted by email and telephone, :

k.brace@wlv.ac.uk 01902 518931

For more information about the RSC West Midlands, visit our website at http://www.jiscrsc.ac.uk/westmidlands