The term ‘Blended Learning’ certainly isn\u2019t a new one and has been in common usage\u00a0for some time now. Some of you may have heard the term and\u00a0thought no more of it, and some of you may have decided that it isn\u2019t for you, as you might feel\u00a0face-to-face teaching is the best method.<\/p>\n
Blended learning is a mixture of face-to-face teaching and any form of online interaction. Garrison & Vaughan (2008) describe the basic principle of blended learning as: \u201cThat face-to-face oral communication and online written communication are optimally integrated such that the strengths of each are blended into a unique learning experience congruent with the context and educational purpose\u201d.<\/p>\n
This includes module-based online learning that is regarded as a \u2018mandatory\u2019 component of face-to-face delivery, and all students are expected to participate. Blended Learning may also include work-based learning, carefully structured online lectures, seminars or discussions, as well as activities to prepare for and reflect on classroom sessions.<\/p>\n
Blended learning can greatly enhance the student\u2019s learning experience by offering the benefits of face-to-face teaching and extending the classroom contact time with both teachers and peers by creating online resources and workspaces.<\/p>\n
Today\u2019s student, and the student of tomorrow, are more familiar and comfortable with using electronic devices, and connecting to the internet for information and social and professional contact is becoming the norm.\u00a0 There have been several studies around how young people today have more or less grown up with ubiquitous technology and methods of connecting\/communicating with the world around them, especially in an educational context.\u00a0 Also, the workplace is becoming ever more reliant on communicating via communication technology and the internet (Skype, email).\u00a0 Therefore, students will benefit from using online teaching and learning spaces for the duration of their time at university and beyond.<\/p>\n
This is an argument used to promote blended learning in academia as stated by Garrison & Kanuka, (2004) \u201cblended learning is an effective and low-risk strategy which positions universities for the onslaught of technological developments that will be forthcoming in the next few years. As society and technology fundamentally alter the manner in which we communicate and learn, this inevitably alters\u00a0how we think\u201d.<\/p>\n
Some examples of activities which can be created using the University\u2019s DLE and other supported technologies are:<\/p>\n