More about Blended Learning?
Why am I suddenly so interested in Blended Learning. Well…partly because Pontydysgu, for whom I work, is a partner on a project producing a handbook on Blended Learning.
Previously I tended to think the term is a little silly. As Frances Bell says in a recent blog post, all learning is blended so why use the term? But I think the various understandings of Blended Learning reflect a movement towards wider and more pedagogically considered use of ICT for learning within the ‘traditional’ curriculum, rather than being confined to Distance Learning or project based contexts. And that surely is to be welcomed.
A team of researchers from the Oxford Centre for Staff and Learning Development (OCSLD) has completed a review of the UK literature and practice relating to the undergraduate experience of blended learning. The study aimed to review existing research and practice on blended e-learning, identify key studies and issues, and make recommendations to guide future policy and practice. The review team combined traditional desk research, with institutional visits and interviews with key personnel.
The review report addresses the current meanings of ‘blended learning’ across the sector, the underlying institutional rationales for blended learning, the monitoring and evaluation strategies being adopted for ensuring and enhancing the quality of blended e-learning. The review has found that the student response to the provision of online information to supplement traditional teaching is overwhelmingly positive. It is clear from the uptake of this area of technology by institutions, the rise of the use of the term ‘blended learning’ and the number of evaluative studies identified in the review, that institutions and practitioners are attempting to engage with blended learning and are doing so successfully.
This is certainly worth a read.
