Randa

=Blended Learning as a best practice=





Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-University (HBMeU) is implementing the blended learning which is "A Learning approach that includes the use of appropriate combinations of information technologies--videoconferencing, audioconferencing, Internet, CD-ROM, and other media, combined with appropriate learning technologies, on-site facilitated activities, and strong learner support systems"(1).

=<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 1.8333em; height: 1.1363em; line-height: 1.1363em; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; max-height: 1.1363em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; overflow-x: hidden; overflow-y: hidden; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">**HBMeU University Chancellor welcomes new learners through a video: ** =

media type="youtube" key="DKgabCN3Mj4?fs=1" height="307" width="384"

For each course, we have 3 face to face sessions, 4 virtual sessions and 7 weeks of asynchronous self-study. During the course, we use many kind of tools to stay in touch and collaboratively learn with other learners through group projects and group discussions on the Forum of Discussions.

Tools used for Blended Learning at HBMeU:
Some examples on tools that is used in Hamdan Bin Mohammed e-Univesity for bleanded learning: ====1. __moodle:__ is the core tool for course delivery. All the materials of the course, the syllabus, the contact emails of the instructor and learners are all there. in addition to a Forum of discussion, where learners can discuss topics related to the course and share some information.==== media type="youtube" key="WvCIv5KCbeE?fs=1" height="268" width="493"

2. Wimba: is the tool used for the delivery of virtual classes. Also, students can meet on Wimba to discuss their group project too (our group did).
media type="youtube" key="iPUVurDaWAE?fs=1" height="306" width="383"

Advantages of blended learning:
1. Flexibility: blended learning at HBMeU gives the student the flexibility in time and location. a. Location: The university is located in Dubai. In our group, there is only one learner who lives in Dubai and all others lives in other emirates. Visiting the campus 3 times during a semester for one course is an acceptable effort for somebody living 2 hours away from the campus. b. Time: Most learners are working full time, sparing 7 nights (3 for face to face sessions and 4 for virtual sessions) for each course during a semester is also acceptable and can fit in the schedule of a keen learner. The rest of the work are done asynchronously to fit your schedule the best.

2. The self-paced part of the course is very important to give the learner room for creativity and self enhancement, keep the students up-to-date with the latest in educational technologies

"Writing in a report for Brandon-Hall.com, Marsh (2001) suggests the benefit of blended learning is that it takes the best from self-paced, instructor-led, distance, and classroom delivery to improve instruction." (2)

Examples on implementing blended learning:
media type="youtube" key="JF16EEnSupk?fs=1" height="385" width="480"

References:
1. [] 2. []