Blended learning for part time students

Widening Participation in practice21/10/05Chris Procter, University of Salford

Contents Context Blended learning ESF project Results Problems

Context Increase in HE numbers Part time student population Problem with attendance Day release tradition

Blended learning Blend cannot just be a mixture .. To blend is to “form a harmonious

combination” (OED) “mix together ..elements .. to improve quality” (CED)

“Blended learning is the effective combination of different modes of delivery, models of teaching and styles of learning” (Procter 2003)

Thoughts on theory “The term ‘blended learning’ is ill-defined and

inconsistently used. Whilst its popularity is increasing, its clarity is not.” Oliver & Trigwell (2005)

Blend from perspective of institution or learner? Relevance of literature on Conversational

framework (Laurillard), e-moderating (Salmon) and Communities of Practice (Wenger) together with work on modes of learning (eg Vygotsky, Pask) and learning styles

ESF Project: Flexible IT for workers

Skills and qualifications in IT (BSc & FdSc in IT)

Mainly aimed at SME employees and unemployed – 90 beneficiaries

3 tranches of funding 2003-6 Use of APEL and WBL Use of GTAs Dissemination

Model + possible future development

Entry requirement Year Credits Qualification 10 120 Professional

Doctorate 9 120 8 120 7 90 Masters BSc Hons 6 90 5 40 BSc Hons in IT Entry with relevant Foundation Degree

4 80 Ordinary Degree

3 80 Foundation Degree Entry at Level 2 through APEL

2 80 University Certificate

Standard level 1 ie A levels, Access, AVCE etc

1 (possibly shared with other programmes)

80

Elements of blend Use of Web based learning/ online

support Online administration (gradually) Face to face dialogue/ practicals Use of teaching assistants Flexible entry/ exit

Student/staff feedback Interviews/focus groups/discussion

boards – new level of scrutiny (it needn’t be perfect)

The importance of communication Skills of the staff Commitment of the students VLE as repository Developing a social network

It needn’t be perfect "I've got two pieces of bad news about the

experimental English composition course where students used computer conferencing. The first bad news is that, over the course of the semester, the experimental group showed no progress in their ability to compose an essay. The second piece of bad news is that the control group, taught by traditional methods, showed no progress either.“

Ehrmann (1995)

References Cullen, J., K. Hadjivassiliou, et al. (2002). Review of current

pedagogic research and practice in the fields of post-compulsory education and lifelong learning, The Tavistock Institute.

Ehrmann S. (1995) in http://www.learner.org/edtech/rscheval/rightquestion.html

Graham, C. R. (2005). Blended Learning Systems: Definition, current trends, and future directions. Handbook of blended learning: Global Perspectives, local designs. C. J. Bonk and C. R. Graham. San Francisco, CA: Pfeiffer Publishing.

Oliver, M. and K. Trigwell (2005). "Can "Blended Learning" Be Redeemed?" E-learning 2(1): 17-26. http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/eclipse/Resources/blended.htm

Procter, C. (2003). Blended Learning in Practice. Inaugural Education in a Changing Environment conference, Salford, University of Salford via www.edu.salford.ac.uk/her