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Blended Learning in the Academic World. Frank Conforti, Bentley Systems. Quick definition of Blended Learning – from our Commercial Experience. Traditional classroom environment for instructor interaction Online hands-on content to supplement classroom lectures and assignments
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Blended Learning in the Academic World Frank Conforti, Bentley Systems
Quick definition of Blended Learning – from our Commercial Experience • Traditional classroom environment for instructor interaction • Online hands-on content to supplement classroom lectures and assignments • “Best Practices” optional online lectures on specific topics • Effective both during and after courses are completed
University of Delaware • 1 credit class “Freshman Introduction to CAD” • Used Bentley’s online hands-on “MicroStation Essentials” course as integral component of the course. • Equivalent to a 17 hour hands-on course • Delivered via the Bentley LEARN Server (BLS)
University of Delaware • 98 students • 1 instructor • Instructor covers “application of CAD” in class • Students spent their time with the Bentley LEARN Server MicroStation Essentials course outside of the classroom. • Instructor tracked the student progress through reports provided by Bentley
Final outcome • Student Questionnaire revealed some interesting insight • Majority of students considered online content very useful • Students concerned they didn’t get credit in their Bentley Professional Transcript • Already placing value on this instrument • Documented outcomes for accreditation
Lessons Learned: • Reporting of student activity to instructor a vital resource • Identified the students in trouble and the ones not interested in the class • Allowed focus on students engaged in the class
Lessons Learned: • Mix of self-study and relatively brief lectures effective for teaching first time users” • More can be done to “tune” the content to the classroom • Need to reinforce online content always available as a refresher
Next steps • Work with more schools to adopt the technology • Try new mixes for “blending” the learning • Identify best of practices video lectures as secondary materials • Teach technical content online while instructors focus on core learning objectives • Theory and Concepts – instructors • “How to” – Bentley LEARN Server course(s)
Long Term Goals • Student outreach… let them know they have this resource at their disposal 24/7 after course completion • Professional transcript value established with continuing education credits by professional societies
Bentley Learn Server • Global E-Learning portal (24/7) • Provides production oriented support material • All courseware is provided in HTML format with downloadable datasets where appropriate. • Provides all instructor-led training engagements (faculty only) • Tracks ALL user learning activities • Learning Unit credits stays with the student for lifetime