Future Learn: Blended Learning Essentials – week 1 summary

Week 1 presented an introduction to the course.

We were encouraged to think about what blended learning is from our own perspective, a teaching perspective and the learners perspective.

I work in the library sector where we have limited face-to-face interaction with the many learners who use our resources. Providing learning opportunities online allows us to cover content outside the classroom, reach more learners online and provide support in the online environment where learners use many of our resources. We support both university staff and students as well as working NHS professionals.

Blended learning is not just the digitisation of learning content but the use of technology to enhance or add value to the learning experience. The glossary description of blended learning is here.

What can blended learning offer?

For Teachers/ Trainers

• Flexibility – content can be created and stored digitally, allowing for re-use and sharing
• Active Learning – interactive elements can support motivation of learners, independent learning skills can be developed
• Personalisation – a tailored programme can be developed to address individual learner strengths and weaknesses, rather than delivering the same content to a whole group of learners; theory can be presented outside the classroom followed by classroom practicals (flipped learning)
• Learner  Control – learners take more responsibility for their learning, are more involved
• Feedback – interactive elements can be used to provide immediate response and feedback to users; digital tools can be used to hold online discussions whether via video links or through discussion forums

For Learners

• Flexibility – for learners this covers a range of factors: learners can study in their own time, at their own pace, in a convenient place; multiple learning media elements can support different learners preferences; elements can be developed for different types of learners in terms of experience and qualifications so encouraging inclusiveness
• Active Learning – interactive elements can be developed, different platforms can be used, workplace learning is possible, multimedia formats can be used; independent learning can be encouraged
• Personalisation – a range of options can be presented to the learner so that he/she can determine what they need to focus on, develop their own requirements to attend to their own strengths and weaknesses
• Learner Control – learners are more in control of their own learning experience, taking advantage of the flexibility and personalisation that can be achieved
• Feedback – interactive elements can be used to provide immediate feedback to the learner, digital tools can be used to hold online discussions whether via video links or through discussion forums

Tools Introduced:

Glossary – a course glossary is available, learners can add their own content to the glossary. This is delivered via wikidot.com. I have developed a simple glossary on our website to support learners using our training / tutorial materials. It is an interesting idea to invite learners to contribute.

Padlet – a digital noticeboard where learners could post their own comments about the week’s activities. This was a little overwhelming with so many comments on it.