BLEnDT© - Blended Learning Design Tool
The development and use of self-guided interactive learning materials in Higher Education has experienced a rapid growth not only as a way of enhancing teaching and learning but also as a way of tackling increased student numbers and students located in very diverse environments. Blended learning combines face-to-face and online teaching and learning. However, finding the right balance for blended learning programmes has been identified as a challenge (Alebaikan & Troudi, 2010).
Copyright 2011© by Maria Toro-Troconis
The Blended Design Learning Tool (BLEnDT©) introduces an instructional framework for the design of blended learning approaches that aims to provide an effective and systematic way of identifying the learning outcomes that lend themselves to interactive self-guided online learning following an Instructionist approach and the learning outcomes that are best suited for face to face delivery or online delivery following a Constructivist/Collaborative approach.
BLEnDT© guides the classification of learning outcomes under different Learning Domains (Bloom, 1956; Simpson, 1972; Dave, 1975 ; Harrow, 1972 and Anderson, et al, 2001), helping Learning Technologists, curriculum designers, academics and Subject Matter Experts in the identification of the best blended learning approach according to the intended learning outcomes. Three different blended learning approaches are recommended. These approaches are suggested depending on whether the learning outcomes focus more on Instructionist activities that are best delivered using self-guided materials or learning activities that focus more on Constructivist/Collaborative activities that encourage learners’ discussion and reflection either online or face to face.
Application of BLEnDT©
BLEnDT© is currently used by the eLearning team for the design of Blended Learning activities at undergraduate medicine level. BLEnDT© is also been used in the design of Blended Learning activities for the new curriculum of the new Singapore Medical School created by Imperial College London and Nanyang Technological University: Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine.
Would you like to try BLEnDT©?
BLEnDT© is only currently used at the Faculty Education Office/Faculty of Medicine Imperial College London and by the Imperial College Curriculum Development team - Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. If you are interested in using BLEnDT© please contact: elearning.medicine@imperial.ac.uk for further information.
Copyright 2011© by Maria Toro-Troconis
