Folding digital ingredients into training and development
Digital content, in a blended learning context, should be considered as one ingredient of the whole learning mix. We must consider how the rest of the learning is delivered. How can digital resources support face-to-face training, communities and networks, whether face to face or virtual?
This isn't just a learning design question, to be demonstrated when the resources are delivered. Considering how everything ties together throughout a project life cycle can be mutually beneficial. Face-to-face or networking elements can be supported by thoughtful digital media; and the development of digital resources can be greatly improved by using these networks for user consultation. The resources benefit from the user involvement, and the user community is given a stake in the development.
With a blended learning approach, you build a community of learners. Our digital content can connect to this community in different ways; we can develop online networking aspects to complement face-to-face delivery and networking; we can tap in to pre-existing online networks; we can use the existing community as focus groups for resource development.
This isn't just a learning design question, to be demonstrated when the resources are delivered. Considering how everything ties together throughout a project life cycle can be mutually beneficial. Face-to-face or networking elements can be supported by thoughtful digital media; and the development of digital resources can be greatly improved by using these networks for user consultation. The resources benefit from the user involvement, and the user community is given a stake in the development.
With a blended learning approach, you build a community of learners. Our digital content can connect to this community in different ways; we can develop online networking aspects to complement face-to-face delivery and networking; we can tap in to pre-existing online networks; we can use the existing community as focus groups for resource development.
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We've demonstrated this with our resources in Creative and media for the LSIS Teaching and Learning Programme. User involvement throughout resource development was vital. This was not only so that the resources were developed in collaboration with FE sector providers, but also to introduce many creative and media teachers to the Teaching and Learning Programme. We ran focus groups with over 100 providers and ran pilots at 30 centres.
Another example of a successfully blended learning approach was for the resources we developed for LSIS in Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment. The brief from the client was to develop a resource that would make up part of a range of blended learning materials on safeguarding, safer recruitment and e-safety. Together these would help providers working in FE understand and meet their own responsibilities and those of their learning institution.
Through extensive trialling, stakeholder involvement, and careful planning, we developed resources that are targeted at those involved in recruitment, but are suitable for everyone.
Another example of a successfully blended learning approach was for the resources we developed for LSIS in Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment. The brief from the client was to develop a resource that would make up part of a range of blended learning materials on safeguarding, safer recruitment and e-safety. Together these would help providers working in FE understand and meet their own responsibilities and those of their learning institution.
Through extensive trialling, stakeholder involvement, and careful planning, we developed resources that are targeted at those involved in recruitment, but are suitable for everyone.
