Blended Learning

1
Blended Learning -

• widening the opportunity for occupational health,
  safety environmental education in UK.
• Presented by
• Chris Webb

2
Traditional modes of delivery 1.

• Full Part-time
• block release.
• day release.
• twilight/evenings.
• Benefits
• - interaction with tutor/peers.
• - confirmation of understanding in real time.
• - structured attendance requirement.
• Shortcomings
• - set times/locations.
• - absence from work/end of working day.

3
Traditional modes of delivery 2.

• Distance learning
• text
• internet
• CD ROM etc.
• Benefits
• - study at own convenience.
• - set own pace.
• - can be done anywhere.
• - accessibility increased.
• Shortcomings
• - isolation.
• - study progress requires high motivation.
• - minimal tutor interaction.

4
Blended Learning

• Opportunities
• Best features of face to face, own study
  on-line learning.
• Development of self-reliant learner-centred
  learning.
• Focus on learning by application.
• Hands-on formative exercises throughout.
• Tutor available real time off-line.
• Tutor monitors progress with feedback to
  individuals /or group.
• Development of IT information search skills.
• Active engagement with peers tutor.
• High levels of learning by doing.

5
Blended Learning

• Is
• A special programme specifically designed to be
  delivered using modern technology.
• Is not
• Traditional taught courses in electronic form.
• Classroom lessons run on the internet.
• Reference materials scanned into web pages.
• A cut paste version of other modes of delivery.
• Humans need to interact with one another

6
Example UK training course

• National Examination Board in Occupational Safety
  Health (NEBOSH)
• National General Certificate
• For those with responsibility for
• health safety in the workplace.
• e.g. supervisors and managers
• Set at technician level 3.

7
NEBOSH National General Certificate by
Traditional Classroom delivery.

• Based on nominal 90 hours tuition plus 40 hours
  private study,
• Example programme might be
• 9-day taught block release daytime course.
• Group size limited to 16.
• Interaction with tutor other learners in the
  group.
• Exercises and plenary events built-in.
• Reference materials provided in loose-leaf form.
• Course workplace project completed after study
  period.
• Total time from place of work
• 9 days tuition
• 1 day summative written assessment
•  

8
NEBOSH National General Certificate by Blended
Learning.

• 2-day course introductory workshop prior to
  commencing main body of study.
• Based on nominal 10 - 12 hours study/week
  designed to take 3 months to complete.
• Closed study group with controlled access.
• Can download core study material.
• Course workplace project completed during study
  period.
• Revision day before written examination.
• Total time from place of work
• 2 days at beginning
• 2 days after 3 months.
•  

9
NEBOSH National General Certificate by Blended
Learning.

• Interactive exercises, discussion, tutor support
  throughout progress of studies.
• Tutor available to assist with problems
  misperceptions that could arise.
• Issues addressed on personal basis or shared as a
  group.
• Study follows logical sequence development of
  syllabus topics.
• Learner controls own study speed within framework
  of key times enabling staged common group
  feedback.

10
NEBOSH National General Certificate by Blended
Learning.

• Initial face-to-face with ongoing tutor peer
  interaction in one form or other.
• These dynamics are critical if the blended
  learning experience is to be effective.
• This single factor differentiates enables a
  more effective learning experience than sometimes
  found with distance learning alternatives.

11
Opportunities for Development of Blended Learning

• Widening participation for those unable to access
  traditional modes of learning.
• Programmes of any length.
• Face to face elements by web cam.
• Summative assessment undertaken nearly anywhere
  via real time secure links.
• Formative projects assignment submission via
  e-mail.

12
Observations from delivering Blended Learning.

• Careful site, materials exercise design.
• Care with induction of prospective learners.
• Initial motivation needs continual nurturing to
  refresh.
• Need to meet recall other participants if
  group interaction self help is to evolve.
• Reliance on the technology requires a viable
  alternative when things fail.
• Tutor availability crucial to smooth progress of
  study.
• Queries need resolution at the time wherever
  possible.