This version of the presentation was used at the 21st Century Learning Conference in Hong Kong Feb 17-19, 2011. See the website: http://21c-learning.hk/

1. Using blended learning to support
practical and studio-based
Kim Flintoff 02.02.2011
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

2. Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

3. Unit Overview
Integrating theoretical studies and practical
applications across a diverse range of dramatic
experiences. Develops understanding of the
complex cultural and social bases of dramatic
expression through performing arts, music and
language. An examination of the fundamental
nature of 'storying', voice, dramatic accessories,
mime and movement in the contemporary
classroom.
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

4. Assessments
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

5. The challenges
 2 hours per week
 Mixed cohort (2nd and 3rd year)
 Little practical experience previously
 Classroom is a dance studio
 Network access and digital display not available in space
 Some students leave for 3 weeks practicum
 Limited use of the technologies available in Blackboard
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

6. Action research
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

7. The rationale
 Reflect “Flexible Learning Policy”
 Provide opportunities for multi-modal engagement
 Learner-centredness should prevail
 Expectation of critical reflexivity
 Authenticity
 Blended learning
 Model teaching and learning approaches beyond the “drama
praxis” content
 Opportunities for formative feedback from teacher and peers
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

8. The tools
 Blackboard LMS
• Discussion Boards
• Assignment Submission
• Activity Summaries
• Sign-up Lists
• Group work areas
 Campus Pack Fusion
• Blog
• Wiki
• Private Journal
• Collaboration Space
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

9. The tools
 eReserve
 Email
 Social networking (Diigo, Twitter)
 Embedded video (YouTube, Vimeo)
 SNAPP (University of Wollongong) – for analysis
afterwards.
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

10. The “solutions”
Remembering who we’re thinking about when teaching teachers
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

11. Discussion Board
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

12. A look at the network interaction
Experience and Expectations
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

13. A look at the network interaction
Experience and Expectations
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

14. Blog
 Collaborative/sharing resources
 Opportunities for Peer feedback
 Peer Modelling
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

15. Wiki
 Student constructed rubrics
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

16. Journal
 Critical reflection
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

17. Journal
 Mechanism for
formative feedback
 Timely
 Individual
(comments)
 Whole Group (my
own journal
entries)
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

18. The “solutions”
 Twitter – sharing discoveries (#ED448Drama)
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

19. Student expectations
 Some high school drama – mainly performance
 Ignored 25pt unit requirement that 10 hours per week
expected – some seemed to think 2 hours face-to-face
would be all – “just an elective”
 Several wanted “right” information
 Discomfort with visible nature of drama work
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

20. Student expectations
 “Resistance” to using online
environment.
 Knowledge of requisite IT
 Personal technology was
not present.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikelesombre/3510951708/
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

21. Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

22. Instructions and Guidance
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

23. Instructions and Guidance
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

24. Instructions and Guidance
http://community.learningobjects.com/
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

25. Instructions and Guidance
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

26. Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

27. Observations
 Many students still wanted delivery approach
 Wiki use tended to be one time edit rather than ongoing
review and modification
 Discussion board was only used when teacher was visibly
active but students tended to reply to me rather than
engage in extended discussion/critique
 Students wanted “minimum participation requirements” for
online activities (eg. How many entries required?).
 Face-to-face was still seen as the preferred option.
 Students reported that technology use exceeded previous
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

28. Observations
 Journal provided opportunities for formative guidance –
when it was used as expected.
 Some students decided to use external systems and could
not demonstrate validated assessment criteria.
 Teaching practice for some was a useful opportunity to
implement in the classroom. Online tools allowed
assignment submission and monitoring of face-to-face
activities.
 Challenges with online submission.
 Students reactions to emails – polarised.
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

29. Observations
 Reportage rather than reflection.
 Critical awareness was limited.
 Little connection with the theoretical frame and established
practice.
 Ignored connections with other educational knowledge –
bullying performance did not connect with acceptable
practices or structured approaches.
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

30. Student Feedback
 It was a very practical unit with lots of hands on drama and
improvisation - which was brilliant. There was also a lot of
scaffolding of our tasks, which was also brilliant because
Kim showed us and lead us through what we need to be
doing in the classroom with our students. It was a great
unit. I am really glad I did this unit and I feel a lot more
confident going into a classroom and incorporating drama.
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

31. Student Feedback
 The only difficult thing about the unit was the amount of
emails we recieved from Kim, reminding us to do this, and
asking us to do that. Not very many people contributed to
the discussion board and for this reason Kim sent a lot of
emails. A few people felt overwhelmed by the extra
pressure that these emails placed on them. It does mean
however, that Kim cares about our studies and is
passionate about drama.
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

32. Student Feedback
 A few of the girls complained about how many emails they
received from Kim, however I thought it was great, as he
was the only lecturer whom was interested in each of us
individually. Our maths unit didn't even turn on the
blackboard discussion board! So I really appreciated that
from Kim. Loved the little activities we participated in that
can be used as educational time fillers in classes! I
would've loved to receive more of those. Thanks Kim!
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

33. Student Feedback
 Just the pressure place us on us through the volume of
emails sent. It was frustrating because not many people
posted discussions on blackboard and because our class
time was taken up with practical experience the only way
for meaningful discourse to happen was through
blackboard. So Kim tried to get everyone to contribute by
sending a lot of emails - but all it did was turn a lot off
people even more.
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J

34. Suggestions
 Greater clarity at the outset about the nature of the online
dimension.
 Scaffolded engagement with the technology.
 Network access in the teaching space.
 More arm’s length engagement in discussion boards.
 More direct engagement in blogs and journals.
 Review degree of student contact via email – perhaps set
up an opt-in list
Using blended learning to support practical and studio-based classes 30.07.2010
Curtin University is a trademark of Curtin University of Technology
CRICOS Provider Code 00301J