How Blended Learning can give you a competitive edge Pete Sharma What is Blended learning? Blended learning in action Success with Blended learning

What do we mean by Blended Learning? Range of definitions A combination of: – In-class plus on-line – Different methodologies – Different technologies – Real world plus in-world etc

Blended Learning Natural – range of definitions Broad – nothing new vs Narrow – restrictive? Connotation + / - Cultural differences Subverted Diluted

Levy & Stockwell CALL is situation-specific

13 November, 2013© Pete Sharma Associates Limited 2009 What is a VLE? Internet-based A protected environment Integration of multiple resources – chat – bulletin board – assignments – quizzes

Courses supported by VLE Pre Shy learners access topic While Washback – learner training Post Handouts posted to the server 6

S / W R / L output input productive receptive Classroom Speaking Writing Online Reading Listening The Warwick University CUTE project with China Case study 1 7

Case study 2 Blended course – 75% online

Case study 3 Business language school english360

English360 Three sources Publishers Authentic Teacher-produced

Grammar Face-to-face Clarification (ARC) Fuzzy areas In-class exercises On-line / self-study Restricted (ARC) Crisp areas Grammar reference 12

Vocabulary Face-to-face Teacher presents and practises new vocabulary On-line / self study Students research with on-line / CD-ROM / mobile dictionaries 13

Receptive skills: listening Face - to - face Im going to play the tape twice On-line / self study Listen as many times as you like / listen and pause 14

Receptive skills: reading Face-to-face Teacher and students annotate a text using a lap-tap plus projector or on the IWB On-line / self study Students do extensive reading 15

Productive skills: speaking Face-to-face Teacher holds discussion lesson On-line / self study Teacher posts language interactive feedback to class blog / learning platform 16

Productive skills: writing Face-to-face Teacher sets essay Students collaborate on producing a text On-line / self study Student drafts & re-drafts essay, using spell-checker 17

Pronunciation Face-to-face Teacher mediates communication breakdowns On-line / self study Interactive phonemic chart 18

Success with Blended learning Importance of attitude The appropriacy principle

Integration Clear, two-way link between class work and structured self study Pedagogically-principled teaching and learning materials from the same-stable Aims of lesson and self-study clear to learners Continuous recycling