1. Recommendations for Engaging Staff with Blended Learning
Recommendation
Rationale
1. The University should develop a rewards framework that includes
recognition of innovative practice in blended learning
Presently academic rewards within the University recognise mainly staff
research, despite the Dearing Report emphasising the importance of good
teaching. Hence, there is more pressure on staff to build their research
portfolio than to evidence innovative learning and teaching.
2. The University should provide business models that relate to
teaching staff developing blended learning approaches, which
includes consideration with respect to staff time.
The University should provide clearer guidance on how Faculties can
facilitate the structuring of staff workloads to integrate the development of
blended learning approaches.
3. The University should focus staff development on the pedagogic
approaches to using blended learning.
The University should use a range of mechanisms to enable this, such as,
workshops, online training, bespoke training, events and e-learning
champions. This should also include easy access to examples of best practice.
4. The University should provide clearer guidance on how to access
support with respect to the use of technology within teaching and
implementing blended learning approaches.
The University should clearly disseminate the range of support that is
available to staff and how to obtain this support in order to manage staff
expectations .
5. Faculties should carry out an annual skills and attitude survey with
respect to the use of technology within learning and teaching and
the adoption of blended learning approaches
This should help Heads of Learning and Teaching to develop a picture of how
staff are progressing within the Faculty together with identifying attitudinal
barriers.
Vicki McGarvey April 2011 v.1.1