Embedding blended learning into mainstream Higher Education “Developments”

Presentation Name December 05

Embedding blended learning into mainstream Higher

Education“Developments”Debbie

ReynoldsClare Denholm

Session Format

Brief background to the study

What we thought we could do using a virtual learning environment (VLE)

Capability context and unit design

Implementation

What we learned, student and staff perspectives

Priorities for the future


Developing the use of VLE Perceived opportunities

Enhance student engagement & use VLE tools to closely monitor student understanding and progress

Provide opportunity to “respond” quickly where students require further support

Exploit the dynamic and responsive nature of the Moodle environment and its functions

Opportunity to meet perceptions that students enter HE “techno savvy mode” and ready to “learn on line”

Develop understanding and inform best practice in teaching


Context

Unit Delivery Design

VLE Tool Box

WikiForums

Assessment Feedback

Resources

Audio

Quizzes

Blog

Scheduler

Implementation

Traditional Teaching Model

Year 1Introduction

2009-10

Year 2Development

2010-11

Year 3Feeding Forward

2011-12

Basic Moodle

Resource dump

Formal lecture plus seminar

Assignments submitted on

paper

Resource Centre

VLE replaces formal lecture +

BL concept adopted with 2 hr.

workshop style replacing

seminar, plus 1-1 support tutorials.

Narrated Power-points (4/12)

using Camtasia

On line survey

Non-integrated quiz

Resource Centre + integration into range of SSU on line resources

Full adoption of narrated power-

points with integrated

quizzes using iSpring

Post workshop formative activities

On line submission for

assessment adopted via

Turnitin

Tracking engagement - dynamic and

flexible responses to learners needs

Utilise integration of other media to include learning

guide

On line submission AND

marking

Introduce WIKI’s for group project

development

Introduce e-portfolio Mahara


What we have learned

Importance of collaboration and partnerships between academics and learning

technologists


Lecturer Perceptions and ChallengesDeveloping academic engagement

(CPD)“why do we have to keep changing everything

every year, we are doing ok aren’t we?”

“they [students] won’t do the on line stuff before coming to my workshop so what can I do!!?”

“only half of them [students] have ever watched the on line lectures, or done the quizzes so I do it in the

lesson with them”




Making assumptions:Homogenous learners?

Photo by Clevercupcakes Shared by creative commons


Making assumptions

Just 52% had had experience with using

an on line learning system before entering

Solent University

Photo by Clevercupcakes Shared by creative commons


“Have you used on line tools to aid your learning before coming

to Solent?5.8% Frequently

54% Occasionally24% Seldom16% Never


Did they engage?

54,000 hits from 500 students over a 12 week

period


Pre-workshop engagement


Pre-workshop engagementA challenge

“Making sure the online work is done before the lesson is a challenge”

“Making sure on-line preparation is done before the lesson”

“VL sessions are a bit of a hassle, they seem a tad unnecessary to be honest”

“Keeping up with what to do prior to each lesson can at times feel slightly overwhelming”


Flexible learningTime, space, place


Flexible learningTime, space, place

“The combination of on line study and seminar is excellent”

“I can have a basic knowledge through online study first”

“The advantage is that I can do my online study whenever I want”

“This arrangement gives me more flexibility in time management”


What do they find useful?


Maintaining contact with tutors


Maintaining contact with tutors

“Teacher was approachable and to the point”

“Good student lecturer interaction and involvement”

“Good lecturer, clear about tasks and also easy to contact if help is required”

“Most of the learning comes from the lecturer herself, this is a very strong part of the unit”


Virtual motivation !


Feeding ForwardWhere do we go from here?


Issues and priorities for the future

VLE’s challenge established traditional approaches

VLE’s challenge staff and students

Technical confidence and competency required

Support academics and students

Maintain a “pedagogic” perspective

Don’t get carried away!!

Building on the Blend

Scaffolding students in online learning a priority

Future emphasis on creating transparent and effective relationships between :

Face to face interactionsVirtual learning environments


Thank you for listening

Questions?

Documents

Embedding blended learning into mainstream Higher Education “Developments”