BLU Purpose
"We work with staff to develop, promote and evaluate combining established ways of learning and teaching and the new opportunities offered by technology in order to improve students' learning and increase flexibility in how, when and where they study".
What are our goals?
Goal 1
To support, promote and share new approaches to Blended Learning practice across the University and more widely in the sector.
For example, we work in partnership with Schools (of study) to encourage and help staff implement Blended Learning. We advise on Blended Learning Policy and Strategy. We act as a Knowledge Exchange and share our developing insights through face-to-face activities and via our internal and external websites. We run blended learning workshops and an annual Blended Learning Conference.
Goal 2
To develop new and effective approaches to Blended Learning that are useful for both staff and students.
Our BLU teachers each work on development projects that cover various aspects of innovative Blended Learning. These projects benefit their students directly and increase our understanding of Blended Learning and its potential benefits for others. Staff can also bid for CABLE project funding and we have state-of-the-art learning spaces to investigate new ways of learning.
Goal 3
To evaluate the benefits of Blended Learning.
We are evaluating the overall impact of the BLU itself. Our Student Consultant gathers our students’ views on Blended Learning and their aspirations for future developments. All our projects have evaluation built in.
Goal 4
To reduce barriers to effective use of Blended Learning at UH.
We are providing funds to:
- Support a move to portable computing for all academic staff.
- Ensure that all teaching accommodation has fixed data-projection.
- Wireless enable all our campuses.
- Develop a loan stock of cutting-edge educational equipment