Blended Learning as a Means to an End

Abstract

Over the last few years the Language Centre has repeatedly had to disappoint students who wanted to learn a lesser-taught language or continue studying a more widely taught language at an advanced level. There were simply not enough participants to make it viable to run such courses. Other HE and FE institutions reported the same problem, which prompted us to investigate whether we could bring together students from a larger geographical area to boost numbers. Funded by the University of Worcester's Business Partnerships Office the Language Centre piloted two blended learning courses using a combination of face-to-face and synchronous videoconferencing sessions. Our interest in blended learning was not so much motivated by using technology for technology's sake, but as a means of bridging the geographical gap between tutors and students.