Agricultural Education: Blended Learning for In-service Students Vienna, 23 June 2006 Three Perspectives – Three Presenters: Paul Meinl – factline & team consult wien (Service Provider) Beate Kralicek – Agrarpädagogische Akademie (Faculty) Petra Fuchs – Agrarpädagogische Akademie (Student)
Perspective I Service Providers (Technical & Training) &
factline Webservices GmbH Founded April 99, based in Vienna, 3 partners, 6 staffers Products & Services: –Software: factline Community Server –Services: Consulting, Implementation, Support, Moderation Focus: –Learning Communities/Collaborative Blended Learning –Project Communication (z.B. EU-Projekte) –E-Portfolios References: –University of Vienna, FHWien, FHS Burgenland, Salzburg Research, Wirtschaftskammer Wien
What do we mean with (Collaborative) Blended Learning? Blended Learning is a combination of face-to-face and online sessions in any course setting. Collaborative Blended Learning is based on the idea, that learners not only learn from teachers but – possibly even more so – from their peers. Therefore, transparent communication amongst all parties involved with a course is a key element in the course design.
When should an organisation consider Collaborative Blended Learning? 1. There is a need to reduce physical attendance. 2. Participants have a shared (professional) experience and similar tasks/goals. 3. Participants are eager to learn from each other.
Services provided Out-of-box technical infrastructure for Blended Learning (factline community server) Consult, conceptualize, design and moderate train the trainer (TTT) courses; accompany and revisit organisation – in cooperation with team consult wien: TECHNICAL FOCUS PEDAGOGICAL FOCUS
Process of Implementation Work shop Particip. Participants Online Sessions Work shop I Train platform admin Workshop -> Concept Work shop II Work shop III Train-the-Trainer Online Sessions
In this case 3 year course, 40 participants (in-service), 15 teachers Online platform (ASP model) Organisational resources needed: –3-4 preparational meetings with decision makers –3 workshops with teachers (½ day) –1 workshop with students (½ day) –Online exercises, stretching over 4 months –1 internal administrator & moderator
Key Success Factors Basic need existent Internet access OK Motivated Teachers Communicative moderator & platform administrator Openness of all participants...and a little patience!
Summary Positive experience: – Agrarpädak met all above points, – had an exceptionally intense and fast start, – very playful with media, –very active student moderator (volunteer) Suggestion for improvement: more training & review time available
Perspective II – The Teachers
Faculty´s Perspective MOTIVATING START
Quick wins Photo story: as ice breaker students present their individual photo stories Chain writing: in collaboration students work together on one story by contributing short paragraphs one after the other
Pedagogical Focus Keeping contact Tasks with problem solving and discussions Clear evaluation criteria
Technical Support Tailor-made tasks and examples Reliable coaching Trial and error
Questions referring to Tasks Advantages for students Teaching and learning experiences of teachers Questionnaire
Perspective III – The Students (who are also teachers)
The Students
The Platform
LV-Räume / Lecture Rooms
Votings
Administration Rights
Ping
Students´ Perspective All involved participants have to use it Detailed training & time for practising Good supplement for face to face phases Exchange ongoing experiences
Thanks for your attention!