Finding the Right Mix?

Teaching European Studies through Blended Learning

Alexandra MihaiInstitute for European Studies (IES)Vrije Universtiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium

The European Union…

…a labyrinth?

Complex

Multidisciplinary

A rapidly moving target

Target groups

Need for…

… a flexible pedagogical approach

But…

How flexible?

A maze of information out there

But…

… is all this educationor

just information?

Our approach

Three combined/complementary methods

• E-learning: the E-modules• Face-to-face seminars• Webinars: online seminars via Elluminate

vOffice™

E-modules

• an online learning tool offering a structured and interactive way of learning about the history of the European Union, its structure, policy areas and decision-making processes

• combines a knowledge/theoretical component with a practical component (i.e. case studies, real-life scenarios, EU case law)

• User-friendly interface- learners are in control

• Tools for self-assessment and evaluation

Face-to-face teaching

• Three days intensive seminars in Brussels conducted by academics and practitioners

• provide an advanced understanding of the EU institutions and the decision-making process

• Balance of theory and practice• Reduced group size aimed to create a

“learning community” and facilitate interaction

Webinars

• Synchronous online interaction tool• Used for various pedagogical

purposes:• “virtual office hours”• Ice-breaking & feedback sessions• Short online seminars • Longer online conferences

• Using Elluminate vOffice™ • Complements the E-modules and the

face-to-face seminars

Why mix?

Organise content around the learners: be where they are!

Facilitate access to knowledge and expertise

Blended learning…

= more than the sum of its parts

Finding the right mix

The European Studies blended learning continuum

Challenges?

• Self-paced vs. interaction/building a ”learning community”

• Managing complexity at various levels (content, technical & student management)

• Need for specific skills for the educators to operate in a virtual environment (“train the trainer”)

Thank you for your attention!

Alexandra.Mihai@vub.ac.bewww.emodules.be