Blended learning
Blended learning is a term commonly used to describe the combined use of face-to-face and online learning environments (Bonk & Graham, 2006).
At SCU the term refers to a blending of teaching approaches to provide equitable learning experiences regardless of location or mode of study.
Blended learning can take different forms:
- media blends (e.g. a Blackboard Collaborate tutorial with student summaries provided in wikis, blogs, or other social networking tools)
- resource blends (e.g. text-based readings supported by lecturer’s audio summaries, online journals, websites, video clips and/or simulations)
- activity blends (e.g. clinical laboratory workshop or tutorial with synchronous and asynchronous communications or online quizzes)
- mode blends combining on-campus, multi-campus and off-campus student activities (e.g. an online unit which has negotiated a two-day face-to-face workshop or residential activity for all students).
Steps to blended learning
1. Decide the fitness for purpose
Generally, people choose blended learning for three reasons:
- improved pedagogy
- increased access and flexibility
- increased cost-effectiveness (Bonk & Graham, 2006).
Check the key learning objectives for your unit. Is your key driver for blended learning to improve student learning? Are you improving access to knowledge, such as designing for the integration of experts, diverse types of media and resources? Find out the size and distribution of your class, and the experiences of the teaching team.
2. Consider the diversity of your learners
Does blended learning support your students' access to content and interaction regardless of their location, background and computer literacy? Do learners need opportunities to encounter multiple perspectives through your unit? Is there support for the development of learners’ independent learning skills? Are learners able to be self-directed in choosing and deciding how/what to study? If you have included on-campus elements in the unit design, have you made this equitable and fair for all students?
3. Decide on the appropriate blend for your context
Elements of student engagement for inclusion in blended learning designs | |||
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Live in-person | Synchronous online collaboration | Asynchronous online collaboration | Self-paced asynchronous |
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Adapted from webjunction.org/blendedguide, (2007), p. 4 |
4. Use technology to promote a sense of community
It is not so much the technology tools employed but the active engagement of people that makes blended learning a success. For this to happen, some issues need to be addressed, including:
- where possible, limit live online classes to one hour or less and provide learning support
- use recordings to explain core concepts or issues (15–20 minute segments can be effective)
- build in interactivity online by using polls, multiple-choice questions and chat features to keep learners engaged and help them reinforce their understanding
- build in fun and humour whenever possible, let your personality shine through
- support conversational interaction between individual learners and groups
- provide feedback to support social networks and to extend connections in the group.
Start small and blend progressively
Identify your knowledge and skills gaps for developing and managing a blended learning unit. Become familiar with or willing to learn about technologies and approaches to blended learning. Conscientiously manage the volume of content in order to allow students time to reflect upon and process their learning. Ensure learners are at ease using technologies that are part of your blended learning design. Decide how you will encourage your learners to make time to engage and participate.
Monitor, evaluate, review and revise
Regularly reflect on the effectiveness of your design. Ensure you routinely archive, update and improve materials and learning activities.
From the student perspective, the value of blended learning includes: |
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From the staff perspective, the value of blended learning includes: |
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Resources
The blended learning toolkit - https://blendedtoolkit.wisc.edu/
References
Bonk, C. & Graham, C. (2006). Handbook of blended learning: Global perspectives, local designs. San Francisco: Pfeiffer Publishing.
Garrison, R. (2009). Exploring the dynamics of a blended learning experience. Keynote presentation at the Blended Learning Conference, University of Hertfordshire, UK. [Online]. Available from: https://www.studynet1.herts.ac.uk/ltic.nsf/Teaching+Documents/BA9CAD62689DB1CD80257E96004AD35C/$FILE/Keynote_Randy_Garrison.pdf
Griffith Institute for Higher Education (2010) Getting Started With Blended Learning v2.7 Available from: https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/22085397/getting-started-with-blended-learning-pdf-27-griffith-university
WebJunction (2007). Blended learning guide. [Online]. Available from: Computer Library Centre http://www.webjunction.org/content/dam/WebJunction/Documents/webJunction/Blended-Learning-Guide.pdf