Blended Learning – Getting the Balance Right Mick Cottam Director of HE Myerscough College

Our distance learning provision Delivered on-line HE since 2002 (Arboriculture and Sportsturf) More recent developments have been blended learning (Wastes, Veterinary Nursing and Farriery, Canine Studies) Currently have around 350 HE students on distance learning courses Some programmes have a pre-requisite for employment in the industry, but not all

The message from HEFCE is clear....... ‘Universities and colleges need to make online learning a central part of organisational strategies if they are to meet rapidly changing student demands and stay competitive in the global higher education (HE) market’ (HEFCE On-line Learning Task Force Report Jan 11)

Foundation Degree Wastes Management (Blended Learning) What did we spend the money on? Running a steering group Development of course documentation Development of on-line content and learning materials Validation of the course (validated & awarded by UCLAN) Marketing and promotion

Questions / open discussion

What do we mean by ‘blended’ ?

What is the right balance? Face to Face Learning On-line Learning Self Directed/Workplace Learning

In reality our model probably more like this.......... Face to Face Learning (8 hrs / module) On-line Learning (52 hrs / module) Self Directed\Workplace Learning (140 hrs / module)

How much do we need to structure flexible delivery? MOLLNET

What do we mean by on-line learning? Is it learning, delivery or content?

What skills and qualities do we aim to develop?

How can those skills and qualities best be developed? On-line Face to face Self Directed/ Workplace

Additional lessons learned...... Development of on-line/blended learning requires support at strategic level Distance learning is not a cheap option There are high up-front costs Tutors need time to develop resources Technical support is essential (for tutors and students) Students like some structure, some tutor contact and some interaction Alternative approaches to assessment and personal development are often required Technology often moves on faster than we do

Thank you Further questions / discussion?