Blending the Learning

David Sugden - 8th May 2003

Who says what?

“Blended Learning Models

The term blended learning is used to describe a solution that combines several different delivery methods,
such as collaboration software, Web-based courses, EPSS, and knowledge management practices. Blended
learning also is used to describe learning that mixes various event-based activities, including face-to-face
classrooms, live e-learning, and self-paced learning. Unfortunately, there's no single formula that
guarantees learning, but here are some guidelines from NIIT on how to order your learning activities.”

VALIATHAN, P. (2002) Blended Learning Models. Learning Circuits [Online] Available

http://www.learningcircuits.com/2002/aug2002/valiathan.html [8th April 2003]

“…blended learning - that is a learning solution created through a mixture of face-to-face, live e-
learning, self-paced learning as well through a mix of media - "the magic is in the mix!" or "the
beauty is in the blend!"

from: http://www.e-learningcentre.co.uk/eclipse/Resources/blended.htm [Online - 8th April 2003]

The above quotations came from a simple search on www.ixquick.com. Similar searches
for ‘blended learning’ at JISC: BECTA: FERL and the DfES came up with nothing! In fact
the only place you might find easy reference to the term is in the FERL/BECTA publication
‘Managing Inspection and ILT’ by Bob Powell, Ros Smith and Sarah Knight.

So how might we use the term in FE?

Today’s Education System is going through a new ‘industrial revolution’. As technology
continues to advance we begin to see more and more uses for it in teaching and learning
with many practitioners using technology innovatively and successfully. A quick look at the
http://ferl.becta.org.uk site will show hundreds of excellent examples.

Yet, in many ways we have not been prepared for the speed of these advances. Schools,
Colleges and Universities have invested £millions since 1998 in eager attempts to keep up
with the march of technology. In F.E. we have used the term ILT (Information LEARNING
Technology) to signify the ways in which teaching can be assisted by employing various
aspects of these new technologies.

At the same time as these changes in technology, there has been a greater recognition
and understanding of learner needs. Learning styles and the need for ‘differentiation’ of
our approach to these has caused teaching staff to look more closely at how they teach (or
facilitate learning!)

The speed of all these changes has left teaching staff bewildered and slow to pick up on
the benefits offered by ILT.

Blended Learning is an attempt to address the need for ‘differentiation’ by focussing on

the learner through a mix of traditional, technological and innovative teaching styles. I
hope that today’s workshop will explore some of these approaches and if it leaves you with
more questions than answers, it cannot be such a bad thing!

Widening Participation through On-Line Learning; Thursday, 8th May 2003,