Blended Learning: Yummy Smoothie or Yucky Mess

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• Blended Learning Yummy Smoothie or Yucky Mess?

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Contents of Presentation
Blended learning a definition Why blend?
Benefits and Concerns Tools and
Resources Avoiding a Yucky Mess An integrated
package Macmillan English Campus Two Yummy
Smoothies
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What is blended learning?
Blended Learning refers to a course which
combines F2F classroom component with an
appropriate use of technology (Sharma/Barrett,
2007)
Technology
F2F
Blended Learning
Self Access
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Potential Benefits

• Time saving
• Greater student involvement in learning process
• Development of learner autonomy
• Distance learning opportunities
• Cost Effectiveness
• Flexibility
• Freshness of (web-based) materials

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Potential Concerns

• Technophobia
• Learner attitudes
• Teacher training
• Accountability
• Process Management

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Tools and Resources for Blending
Free-ish Source Sites YouTube, Facebook,
MySpace, onestopenglish Free-ish Exercise
creators Hot Potatoes Free-ish MLE
platforms Moodle Subscription Integrated
packages Macmillan English Campus
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Avoiding a Yucky Mess

• Plan carefully role of teacher vs role of
  technology
• Technology should fit learner needs not fit
  the learner
• to the technology
• Integrate and supplement, rather than supplant,
  
• personal teaching
• Its not so much the program, more what you do
• with it (Jones, 1986)

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An integrated learning toolMacmillan English
Campus

• Content
• an online EFL resource box containing over
  3,000 learning resources
• A Managed Learning Environment
• tools for grading, monitoring and allocating
  resources to learners
• Core of a blended learning solution for adults
• Allows teachers to combine online programmes
• with F2F teaching and existing course
  materials
• Can be personalised to each students needs

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Content (1)

• The database contains over 3000 exercises and
  activities for grammar, listening, vocabulary and
  pronunciation practice, CEFR levels A1 to C2.
• Cambridge ESOL exam preparation exercises and
  TOEFL / TOEIC material included.
• The content is regularly updated
• weekly news articles from
• The Guardian, monthly word games,
• and new content / functions added
• The activities are highly interactive,
• with a variety of different exercise types and
  learning games.

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Content (2)

• Approximately 35 of content is directly related
  to Business English
• Included are website
• projects linked to
• business web sites
• The content includes
• resources on emailing,
• business vocabulary building, telephone listening
  tasks

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Content (3)

• The full version of the Macmillan English
  Dictionary Online, updated weekly with
  neologisms, idioms and phrases
• Grammar Reference Units linked to resources
  provide explanations practice for over 400
  grammar points
• Animations help clarify and simplify explanations
  of key grammar points

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Platform (1)
Course-building and Communication tools allow
teachers to create customised programmes for
learners, taking account of mixed interests and
abilities within the class Supplementary course
pathways are built in, including CEFR
programmes Integrated Student/Teacher comms.
services allow teachers to set additional
activities for individuals and groups, including
links to video shorts on sites like YouTube
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Platform (2)
Learners score marks for every resource completed
as part of their course teachers can monitor
student activity and progress. Every learners
Markbook is viewable online. Teachers can
provide additional practice exercises
appropriate to student performance. Teachers
and administrators can view and export marks and
user statistics to managers / mentors / parents
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Two Yummy Smoothies1. Integrated Learning Model
There seems to be reluctance in transitioning
instructor-led training (ILT) to a blended
learning format. A reason. is not knowing how
(M.McGinnis)
Week A
Week B
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2. VoIP Distance Learning Programme

• 40 hr course 20 hrs contact 20 hrs GLP
• SKYPE meeting every Tues Thurs
• Shared contact lesson with Campus, plus...
• ...independent work on Campus, monitored by tutor

From IH Pisa, Chris Powell DoS
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Further Details

• Please contact Byron Russell
• b.russell_at_macmillan.com
• Tel. [phone]
• Visit the Campus website at www.macmillanenglis
  hcampus.com