A Practical Introduction to Blended Learning

Barrett, U., Horlin, C. , Swingler, M. and Morrow, L. (2019) A Practical Introduction to Blended Learning. 12th Annual University of Glasgow Learning and Teaching Conference, Glasgow, UK, 2-3 Apr 2019.

Abstract

Blended learning has tremendous potential to re-shape teaching and learning methods in HE, and develop and engage active learners of the future. However, to busy academics who have little experience of blended learning and too many other duties to attend to, the idea of blended learning can seem overwhelming in knowing where to begin. The purpose of this workshop is to give time and space to teachers who would like to move away from traditional, didactic teaching methods to think about what blended learning techniques might be applicable to their situation with the help of others who are moving along the same path. The method utilised with be a flipped-classroom approach to give participants first-hand experience of blended and active learning. This workshop will consist of 3 components: 1. Pre-Workshop Self-Guided Activities We will create and facilitate a Moodle space comprising: blended learning tasks and flipped classroom course blocks; testimonials from staff on their use and integration of blended resources, e.g., using mini-lectures and Moodle workshops in flipped teaching, and providing feedback via Zoom. 2. Flipped Conference Workshop Session Facilitators will present an overview of the topic, and a summary of some ideas from the Moodle space, and identify key themes and blended learning goals for the workshop (10 minutes). Groups will self-organise according to the key themes (40 minutes). Participants will be invited to share their ideas on implementing blended techniques via an “Ideas & Roadblocks” format and communicate any difficulties they are currently trying to resolve. Groups will work with a staff-student pair of facilitators with designated expertise to identify potential solutions and sources of support in the development of participants’ intended blended learning goals. A summary outcome of each small group discussion will be posted on Moodle and presented at the end of the session (10 minutes). 3. Post-workshop Resource Repository After the workshop attendees will be encouraged to contribute to a repository of blended learning resources to ensure ongoing accessibility and development. Intended Learning Outcomes By taking part in this workshop participants will; • Obtain knowledge about some methods and techniques of blended and active learning that have been implemented at U of G • Explore how these examples may be applied to novel situations • Understand barriers and facilitators to the staff implementation of and the student experience of blended learning

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Keywords: Blended learning, flipped classroom.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Morrow, Dr Lorna and Swingler, Dr Maxine and Barrett, Mrs Ute and Horlin, Dr Chiara
• Authors: Barrett, U., Horlin, C., Swingler, M., and Morrow, L.
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology; L Education > LB Theory and practice of education; L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Psychology
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2019 The Authors
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced with the permission of the Author

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