Supporting first year undergraduates through blended learning [poster presentation]

Kendall, Margaret and Prowse, Alicia (2005) Supporting first year undergraduates through blended learning [poster presentation]. In: 4th Annual WebCT Users Conference, 6th-9th February 2005, Barcelona, Spain. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This poster presents the lessons learned from changing a study skills programme for first year undergraduates to "blended learning", using a combination of weekly seminars, personal tutorials and timed release of 7 WebCT tutorials. The students came from varied educational backgrounds, including mature and international students. Detailed monitoring through WebCT tracking facilities was combined with details of the students' age, status as home or international students, face-to-face attendance and summative assessment performance. The results showed notably heavy use by some students with English as a second language. The conclusion was that the programme was enhanced by the innovation although adjustments to the blend of face to face and online learning were considered necessary for 2004/5. Copies of the tutorials have been used to create a new WebCT Study Support area available to second year students for remedial support and students on the taught conversion Masters programme, which includes students with first degrees in any discipline, some of whom may be returning to academic study after a significant time in the workplace, and international students experiencing study in the UK for the first time.