Blended learning: creating an effective blend

contributors | abstract | biographies

Contributors

Louisa Riches and Carol Cook (Leeds Metropolitian University)

Intended format

Interactive workshop

Abstract

To practically demonstrate how simple it can be to use technology which is readily available to us as legal educators. To create relevant and interesting learning experiences for students, provided that the right blend has been achieved which engages and motivates students, develops knowledge and encourages independent and active learning.

The ways and means of creating blended learning experiences for students are huge given the range of multi-media tools available, and there is much written and read about the benefits and effectiveness of blended learning. But what is the blend and how can we tell when we have a good one? How easy is it to create an effective blend of face to face, self directed and online learning? And what do students’ think?

The workshop will begin with a very brief demonstration of how a short video clip (and supporting documents) which was delivered online via the University’s virtual learning environment, produced an effective blend of online and face to face learning and provided tutors with useful information about the students’ experience.

Participants in the workshop will have the opportunity by following a simple plan, using a brief script and a camera to design a learning activity which will blend with a classroom-based learning activity.

Short biographies of panel members

Louisa Riches is a Senior Lecturer at Leeds Metropolitan University where she teaches Property Law and Practice and Employment Law. She is Course Leader for the Legal Practice Course. Before qualifying as a solicitor and joining the University, Louisa was as a partner in a touring theatre company creating new work.

Carol Cook is Principal Lecturer, Assessment Learning and Teaching at Leeds Metropolitan University. She teaches Employment Law, Discrimination Law and Business Law and Practice. She was recently awarded a University Teaching Fellowship and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Last Modified: 10 December 2010