Overview

  • Blended learning is any combination of face-to-face and online modes to achieve an overarching learning goal.
  • There are numerous approaches for designing blended learning units. Here are some approaches that are commonly used at ACU.
  • Approaches are not mutually exclusive. An intensive unit could also apply a flipped classroom approach and be delivered across multiple campuses.
  • Examples provided are to stimulate interest and ideas.

On this page

Example 1 – flipped classroom Example 2 - Intensives Example 3 – Multi-campus Example of Practice

Example 1 – Flipped classroom

The Flipped classroom model is a pedagogical approach that involves students working through preparatory self-paced online material prior to face-to-face sessions. Students complete the online learning component so they are familiar with important concepts and can explore and consolidate these in a more applied way within class time. This maximises face-to-face time, which can be spent applying active learning strategies for deeper learning. There are commonly consolidation activities after the face-to-face sessions.

Preparation Face-to-face Consolidation
  • diagnostic/formative tasks
  • pre-recorded videos/audio
  • readings
  • web links
  • simulations
  • reflection
  • activities
  • active learning
  • applied tasks
  • collaboration
  • projects
  • discussion
  • reflection
  • self-check activities
  • discussion board
  • mind maps

Example 2 - Intensives

Intensives are also referred to as ‘block mode’. An intensive unit is a course taught predominantly online, with the addition of a face-to-face block ("an intensive"). The face-to-face component may be at the start or end of a semester or take place several times across a semester.

The online material is often complemented by weekly synchronous webinars.

Intensives are also referred to as ‘block mode’. An intensive unit is a course taught predominantly online, with the addition of a face-to-face block ("an intensive"). The face-to-face component may be at the start or end of a semester or take place several times across a semester.

The online material is often complemented by weekly synchronous webinars.

 weekly online synchronous lecture

Example 3 - Multi-campus

 Multi-campus forms

Example of Practice

In this video, David Spencer, from the Thomas More Law School at ACU discusses how he designed and delivers his law elective unit, LAWS408: Alternative Dispute Resolution. David gives his four guiding principles for designing and delivering in intensive mode which he lists as:

  1. in a flipped classroom do not repeat material;
  2. use multi-modal forms of delivery;
  3. make learning activities and assessment authentic; and
  4. choose fun over content.

David discusses a few techniques he uses in intensive mode learning and teaching such as the use of: relevant film clips from comedy films; role play simulations that immerse students in real-world legal disputes; technology to conduct a blind negotiation only using the texting facility on students' smartphones; and, a physical team game where student teams negotiate over a limited supply of Leggo blocks to build a model in the shortest possible time.

Page last updated on 19/04/2023

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