I decided to learn more about blended learning, so started the MOOC “Blended Learning Essentials: Getting Started” run by the University of Leeds. Taking MOOC is a great way for me to reflect on what I know and refresh my knowledge. It does take time, but it provides an opportunity for me to learn the topic systematically for free. Many thanks for the course creators.
After the first week, I think my view about blended learning changed a bit. It seems technology has an important role in this type of learning. Nowadays technologies become more developed for people to use, so why not adopt some to enhance teaching methods and learning opportunities?
I wonder if taking the MOOC is blended learning? It may not as the course does not have face-to-face sessions. However, from the point of using technologies to facilitate learning, it does use technologies to blended different methods and enables learning.
We have looked at five benefits of blended learning – flexibility, active learning, personalisation, learner control, and feedback. We have discussed the issues encountered in learning and the benefits that blended learning can resolve. We have reviewed a few case studies of blended learning and share views about them. I like this week learning particularly on aspects as follows:
- using videos to explain the key learning points and more videos to extend the details of the relevant cases.
- the exercises such as quizzes to allow learners to self-check their understanding.
- using Padlet to generate a collection of views of blended learning (this can be an effective way to check learners’ understanding)
- online glossary to help learners to understand the terms used in the area.
- Clear guidelines and useful learning materials such as A selection of case studies promoting the use of Blended Learning techniques.
- The mentors interacted with students through comments, and Diana Laurillard‘s summary of this week shows a good example of how mentors have engaged with learners through sharing their own experience.
Web n' Circle 