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A “blended” model for conventional delivery and e-learning. Gerry Goldsmith – MSc Information Technology & Management (DL) Becky Strachan – MSc Networking Technologies & Management (DL). What’s “Blended” ?. F2F Induction day (or E) 5-day on-campus residentials Distance e-learning modules.
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A “blended” model for conventional delivery and e-learning Gerry Goldsmith – MSc Information Technology & Management (DL) Becky Strachan – MSc Networking Technologies & Management (DL)
What’s “Blended” ? • F2F Induction day (or E) • 5-day on-campus residentials • Distance e-learning modules
The Learning Environment Learning Centre tutors Virtual Learning Environment University students employer external examiner Course Leader
Why e-learning ? Am I the only student? • Relieve isolation
Why e-learning ? • Enrich learning experience • Learning community • Share professional experience • Online materials • Links to learning resources & support • Discussion forums • Virtual group work (VGW) where appropriate
Our Approach • Students: • assess online contributions (carrot & stick) • early deadline for simple task (to ensure early engagement with assignment) • Tutors: • Encourage to use Blackboard • Provide help, advice • Don’t be too ambitious first time
Issues for students • Technical: speed, access (24/24?) • Need to be online a lot • Learning styles • Student expectations • VGW: time to form groups • VGW: timing of meetings
Benefits for Tutors • During Delivery:- • Improved contact with students • Tutors can contribute & intervene • Tutors can post reminders & notices • Students help each other e.g. answer each other’s questions, etc
Lessons Learnt • Learning Curve for tutors • New skills are needed (Reference: E-moderating, Gilly Salmon) • Need for ownership by tutors • MUCH more time required during delivery (than conventional DL) • Need to be well organised and planned in advance – not ‘on the fly’.
Lessons Learnt … “But I emailed you over an hour ago!” • Managing students’ expectations is important • Need to determine what is mandatory and what isn’t • Important to provide rationale to students for type of assessment, use of environment, etc – minimises queries!
What have we achieved? • Relieve isolation • Enrich learning experience • Learning community • Share professional experience • Online materials • Links to learning resources & support • Discussion forums • Virtual group work (VGW)
References • Salmon G. 2001. E-Moderating - the key to Teaching & Learning Online. Kogan Page. • Kear K; Heap N. 1999. Technology-supported group work in distance learning. Active Learning 10 (July). • Asensio M; Whatley J; Jones C. 2001. Taking over someone else’s design: implications for the tutor’s role in networked learning. ALT-J Vol 9(3).