Finding the Right Mix?

23
Finding the Right Mix? Teaching European Studies through Blended Learning Alexandra Mihai Institute for European Studies (IES) Vrije Universtiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium

description

Finding the Right Mix?. Teaching European Studies through Blended Learning Alexandra Mihai Institute for European Studies (IES) Vrije Universtiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium. The European Union…. …a labyrinth?. Complex Multidisciplinary A rapidly moving target. Target groups. Need for…. - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Transcript of Finding the Right Mix?

Page 1: Finding the Right Mix?

Finding the Right Mix?

Teaching European Studies through Blended Learning

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

Page 2: Finding the Right Mix?

The European Union…

Page 3: Finding the Right Mix?

…a labyrinth?

Complex

Multidisciplinary

A rapidly moving target

Page 4: Finding the Right Mix?

Target groups

Page 5: Finding the Right Mix?

Need for…

… a flexible pedagogical approach

But…

Page 6: Finding the Right Mix?

How flexible?

Page 7: Finding the Right Mix?

A maze of information out there

Page 8: Finding the Right Mix?

But…

… is all this educationor

just information?

Page 9: Finding the Right Mix?

Our approach

Three combined/complementary methods

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

vOffice™

Page 10: Finding the Right Mix?

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

Page 11: Finding the Right Mix?
Page 12: Finding the Right Mix?
Page 13: Finding the Right Mix?
Page 14: Finding the Right Mix?
Page 15: Finding the Right Mix?
Page 16: Finding the Right Mix?
Page 17: Finding the Right Mix?

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

Page 18: Finding the Right Mix?

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

Page 19: Finding the Right Mix?

Why mix?

Organise content around the learners: be where they are!

Facilitate access to knowledge and expertise

Page 20: Finding the Right Mix?

Blended learning…

= more than the sum of its parts

Page 21: Finding the Right Mix?

Finding the right mix

The European Studies blended learning continuum

Page 22: Finding the Right Mix?

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”)

Page 23: Finding the Right Mix?

Thank you for your attention!

[email protected]