Blended learning.
We are currently looking at different ways that we can incorporate more information technology or blended learning into the curriculum at the university where I lecture.
I actually think it is a wonderful idea. Everybody is so busy these days, that to have an online discussion forum or other online readings, the ability to renew your library books online, etc. is a marvelous way to be able to manage time, whilst at the same time, add diversity and depth to a course.
Blended learning is of particular relevance to those individuals who choose to study via distance education. I have been one of those students. I remember when I came back to study at masters level, I had to suddenly get up to date with pod casts instead of lectures and digital readings to download and print… and there I was patiently waiting for my ‘reading brick’ to arrive!
The diversity that a discussion forum gives to a course is priceless. We only have 3 hours a fortnight contact time in one of the courses I am doing, but we will shortly open some relevant threads in a discussion forum, which is set up for our course and I cannot wait!
I have always found the discussion forums I use to be rich with interesting points of view. It is rather like face to face communication, but without much of the non-verbal information. This can sometimes lead to a slight misunderstanding here and there, but in the main, the benefits far outweigh the odd challenge!
So I am in favor of blended learning. It brings a class together at a time that is convenient for each individual and adds a complexity to the understanding of course materials.
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