ICL Workshop 07

Promoting and Implementing Best Practicee in Blended Learning: Integrating Classroom Based Education and E-Learning with Virtual Conferences

Franc Lobnik, University of Ljubljana

In this workshop we intend to discuss the possibilities of how to join classroom education with e-learning, implementing the so-called blended learning. There are several reasons for such approach. In blended learning, candidates are able to use modern technology to learn about topics of their interests on the internet and perform tests to assess their knowledge, but also to get experience in group work through classrooms which, emotionally, is much more pleasant.

Besides blended learning, other models will be presented as well, such as virtual conferences and access to information for decision makers.

 
Content:

In the workshop, major findings of the research and practical recommendations will be discussed with the participants. The presentation will introduce:

-    An example for integrating classroom based education and e-learning. The so-called blended learning is based on experiences of the Summer School »Environmental and Resource Management« which was held several times in Ljubljana as a joint initiative of University members of the Utrecht Network, a group of 54 Universities from almost every European country, Mid-America Universities (MAUI), Australian Universities and three partners - Council for the Environmental Protection of the Republic of Slovenia (CEPRS), Cranfield University (UK) and the Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) from Germany. Such approach gives several possibilities to acquire different information face to face, classroom and video recorded lectures combined with links to literature, case studies and tests via internet and student workshops combined with field trips. With authentic software solutions, many technical possibilities for integrating e-learning and classroom were provided.

      http://www.let-group.com

-      Next example is based on EU conference “Bridging the Gap” and CEPRS as a model of how to present information to a broader audience, via internet as video combined with power point presentations.

      http://www.let-group.com/bridgingthegap/index.html

• Training & educational institutions that are interested in blended learning,
• Training & e-learning consultants interested in supporting such activities,
• Scientists & researchers interested in contributing to the development in the field of integrated classroom based education and e-learning,
• Partners who want to join the International Summer School »Environmental and Resource Management« held in Ljubljana,
• Institutions who want to use such services and experiences for their educational training or conferences.

No special knowledge is required. Experience in e-learning is an advantage.

The Instructor:

Prof. Dr. Franc Lobnik is a former dean of the Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana. He is the head of the International Summer School »Environmental and Resource Management« and a professor of Soil science and Land use. Since 2002 he also focuses his activities on long distance education combined with classroom education through LET group (www.let-group.com) and
Flopi d.o.o.