Blended learning model in OSH An Irish University model Anne Drummond and Helen Guerin, UCD

History and development 1989 framework OSH legislation EU and Ireland Professional OSH training firmly established Training need for those with OSH responsibilities identified 1993 EU funding available to develop satellite learning technology OSH satellite programme developed in 1993

Programme objective (OSH) To provide multidisciplinary training in the basic principles of OSH legislation, and best practice in risk management and occupational safety and health management for employees, supervisors and managers

Target market Persons with some responsibility for safety and health at the work place Employee, supervisor, manager training Not professional training

Blended learning The term blended learning is used to describe a solution that combines several different delivery methods This OSH model combines live satellite lectures, live telephone link-up, face-to- face tutorial support, course text, self- assessment, and peer learning.

Schedule 1-year part-time programme Students attend a local centre for 2 hours / week x 25 weeks 1-hour satellite lecture + 1-hour tutorial

sites 19 student groups 496 students

Stakeholders Internal University academic centre University audio-visual service External Broadcasting organisations (RTE, EBU) Partners (third level and vocational institutes, organisations, public bodies, private industry) Specialist lecturers Tutors Students

Stakeholder relationships

Clients include employees from: Irish defence forces Irish Rail Irish Bus Telecom organisations National Television Station Pfizer pharmaceuticals Wyeth nutritionals Waterford Crystal

Student backgrounds Adults Working full-time Studying part-time Age range 18 – 60+ Diverse educational qualifications from lower second level to PhD Multidisciplinary occupations and diverse professional backgrounds

6 Pedagogical components 1. Programme manual 2. Self-assessment questions 3. Live satellite-delivered lecture 4. Phone-in question and answer session 5. Tutorial 6. Assessment by projects and by examination

Delivery – Blended learning Traditional methods Written material Comprehensive manual, updated annually On-site tutorials Facilitated by local tutors (OSH professionals) Self-assessment questions Self-directed learning

Delivery – Blended learning Innovative technology Live satellite- delivered lecture Phone-in question and answer session Download frequency MHZ POL 625 Pal MPE 4:2: hsymb/s FEC 3/4

Content – 24 lectures from national experts Irish and EU Legislation Risk and Safety management Mechanical, chemical, ergonomic, psychosocial hazards Occupational health, diseases and hygiene Occupational psychology Accident causation Accident investigation Sector safety: construction and agriculture Violence at work Fire and emergency planning Electricity

Assessment Essay project Risk assessment project Multiple choice examination Traditional examination Examination takes place in local centre

Feedback from students

Strengths of the model Legislation-driven content Concurrent delivery of consistent content to large numbers of students Wide geographical access (satellite footprint is centered over Europe) Reliable technology Transferable across boundaries Adaptable delivery format

Pros for participating centres Successful package Financial incentives Local access to national expertise

Pros for students Local access to national expertise Minimal time off work for employees in the in-company centres Recognised qualification and certification Progression pathway to professional qualification

Weaknesses of the model Large numbers of students Large numbers of stakeholders Indirect control (technical, site and broadcast partners) Heavy administrative and co-ordination burden on providers

Track record 12 th year completed in students successfully completed to date 90%+ pass rate 95% completion rate Transmission delivery success > 98% Transmission receive site failure rare – prompt follow-up and back-up facilities

Summary Proven model for successful delivery of an OSH programme to large numbers of students over a wide geographical area. Further information available from: Short DVD with extracts from live classes