Workshop W3 – DDBL

Date: June 17
Time: 14:00 – 18:00

Blended Learning is recognised for enhancing the learner experience by improving self-directed learning skills and boosting student engagement. This workshop has been developed to support understanding of the Blended Learning approach and explore the various ways it can be implemented into the classroom.  However, challenges such as lack of student buy-in or gaps in instructor skills can hinder effective implementation. Therefore, the workshop will also address such challenges. The interactive format of the workshop encourages dialogue among participants, facilitating an analysis of these challenges and offers a collaborative approach to solutions.

The workshop is intended for a broad audience involved in the student learning process, which includes faculty members responsible for curriculum development or teaching (such as graduate students and teaching assistants), as well as Instructional Designers and Learning and Development Officers. All experience levels within the mentioned roles are welcome. The workshop is suitable for individuals with little to moderate awareness of Blended Learning.

Objectives

• To discuss and appraise the Blended Learning approach; what this approach is, the benefits offered for the learner experience, the different methods that can be used and common challenges in using this approach.
• To discuss embedding a Blended Learning approach into curricula
• Using interactive peer sessions to explore and debate for the purpose of
  • Identifying solutions to common challenges in Blended Learning teaching
  • Practicing designing a Blended Learning approach for a hypothetical class

In addition to Blended Learning literature, the workshop will use a case study of a Blended Learning class and research project conducted by the organiser to illustrate real-life application of Blended Learning, examples, and give context.

Intended Audience

Faculty members responsible for curriculum development, Instructional Designers and Learning and Development officers

This workshop will develop understanding of Blended Learning for the learner experience and explain designing and integrating Blended Learning into classes. These will support staff practically (i.e. curriculum development) and with theoretical knowledge (i.e. appraisal of Blended Learning as a pedagogical approach). Suitable for all experienced levels within these roles and suitable for those with no to medium level of awareness of Blended Learning.

Faculty members teaching on courses, graduate students and teaching assistants

This workshop will explain how Blended Learning supports the learner experience, aiding teaching staff in delivering sessions and classes using a Blended Learning approach. Additionally, the workshop will support recognition of common challenges and solutions to these. This will assist teaching staff in preparing and delivering Blended Learning sessions and classes. Suitable for all experienced levels within these roles and suitable for those with no to medium level of awareness of Blended Learning.

Agenda

1. Introduction and overview of the workshop. Introduce workshop objectives and topics of the workshop. Introducing the case study (class and the research) and how the case study will be used to inform the various parts of the workshop (benefits, challenges, designing, results of the research).
2. Introduction to Blended Learning. Benefits of this approach (with focus on how it supports student engagement and learning), explore why educators should aim to have Blended Learning in our curriculums, the different methods that can be used.
3. Designing learning experiences with Blended Learning (i.e. integrating Blended Learning into curriculum). A review of the class case study to show a Blended Learning integration in action. This is followed by a discussion on embedding Blended Learning, where participants will learn about the key elements of integrating Blended Learning approach into curriculum.
4. Interactive session part 1. Participants will work in groups to design a Blended Learning class with a chance to share feedback and ideas for improving designs with peers.
5. Interactive session part 2. This is followed by another interactive session about the challenges of using and integrating a Blended Learning approach. A challenges section is planned after the design as questions and reflections will emerge during the designing stage, therefore allowing to capture and discuss Blended Learning holistically. The organiser will also discuss common challenges with Blended Learning.
6. Organiser’s experiences. The organiser to discuss their challenges of the Blended Learning approach (case study), how they managed these and their reflections. Opportunity for participants to ask questions
7. Closing of the workshop and next steps. Summary of the main points of the workshop, including the peer interactive session. Provide resources for participants to continue learning and practicing Blended Learning.

Part 2: Interactive Development of the Guide

Objective: Co-create a practical, actionable guide for faculty and administrative staff.

1. Breakout Groups: Participants will join thematic groups to brainstorm and outline key components.
2. Group Presentations: Each group presents their contributions, followed by collective feedback.
3. Wrap-Up and Next Steps: Facilitators summarize the guide’s structure and discuss plans for dissemination.

Organizer

Nilay Balkan, PhD is a lecturer in Marketing at The University of Glasgow and has been teaching at university level for ten years. She previously worked as a Business Advisor for start-ups and small businesses at Glasgow Caledonian University’s business support hub. Regarding Scholarship of Teaching of Learning (SoTL) research, she is interested in student engagement, developing student workplace skills and curriculum design. Her current research includes exploring how COILs can improve student workplace skills (SoTL ) and how Scottish small business owners develop social media capability (marketing, SME and entrepreneurship).