1. Blended Learning – Getting the Balance Right
Mick Cottam
Director of HE
Myerscough College

2. Our distance learning provision
Delivered on-line HE since 2002 (Arboriculture and Sportsturf)
More recent developments have been blended learning (Wastes, Veterinary Nursing and Farriery, Canine Studies)
Currently have around 350 HE students on distance learning courses
Some programmes have a pre-requisite for employment in the industry, but not all

3. The message from HEFCE is clear.......
‘Universities and colleges need to make online learning a central part of organisational strategies if they are to meet rapidly changing student demands and stay competitive in the global higher education (HE) market’ (HEFCE On-line Learning Task Force Report Jan 11)

4. Foundation Degree Wastes Management (Blended Learning)
What did we spend the money on?
Running a steering group
Development of course documentation
Development of on-line content and learning materials
Validation of the course (validated & awarded by UCLAN)
Marketing and promotion

5. Questions / open discussion

6. What do we mean by ‘blended’ ?

7. What is the right balance?
Face to Face Learning
On-line Learning
Self Directed/Workplace Learning

8. In reality our model probably more like this..........
Face to Face Learning
(8 hrs / module)
On-line Learning
(52 hrs / module)
Self Directed\Workplace Learning
(140 hrs / module)

9. How much do we need to structure flexible delivery?
MOLLNET

10. What do we mean by on-line learning?
Is it learning, delivery or content?

11. What skills and qualities do we aim to develop?

12. How can those skills and qualities best be developed?
On-line
Face to face
Self Directed/
Workplace

13. Additional lessons learned......
Development of on-line/blended learning requires support at strategic level
Distance learning is not a cheap option
There are high up-front costs
Tutors need time to develop resources
Technical support is essential (for tutors and students)
Students like some structure, some tutor contact and some interaction
Alternative approaches to assessment and personal development are often required
Technology often moves on faster than we do

14. Thank you Further questions / discussion?