The Future of Education

The teacher education department of Windesheim University of Applied Sciences (Zwolle, The Netherlands) reacts to new opportunities provided by modern technology. The concept of blended learning has renewed our education. In this presentation we will introduce the outlines of our new approach.

Windesheim has a long tradition in regular and distance learning. Recently, we have transformed the regular teacher training and the traditional distance learning into a combined and more successful blended learning approach. We are moving away from the time and place independent learning concept. In our new approach we combine aspects of group work in the electronic learning environment. The lecturer monitors the learning process by peer review and by lecturer’s specific role as a regular and as a digital teacher. Furthermore, we support students by a clear study schedule. As a result, students’ engagement is much higher and students are more productive.

The educational design of the electronic learning environment is of vital importance in our new approach. It has to be didactical thoughtfully composed. The materials need to be well structured and easy accessible. The various learning styles of students have to be taken into account. Our aim is not to feed the students with loads of theory, but to involve them in their own learning process.

The blended learning concept is a mixture of power point like lessons, named  ‘silverpoints’. These lessons consist of short explanations referring to literature combined with examples, sound fragments, videos and documentaries. These additional materials are provided by links within the texts in these lessons; these are always only one click away. Furthermore, films of real lessons in a classroom setting are incorporated. Productive assignments are developed to challenge students to put theory into practice. The productive assignments enhance students’ engagement and improve learning outcomes. The blended learning environment acts as a student support system; it implies multiple ways of getting access to the learning materials and learning is more diverse and more exciting.

To get lecturers ready for this new way of teaching we stimulate lecturers to participate in a course, named ‘teach as you preach’ to experience blended learning themselves. Besides, lecturers starting to create their lessons for our electronic learning environment are supported by experts; we have special rooms designated for this goal with help at hand. We know that by seeing good examples lecturers develop practical ideas how to design their own didactical learning environment. That is why we organize that early adapters present their materials to their own colleagues. All these measures are key factors to introduce successfully blended learning at Windesheim.

During our presentation we will explain the described blended learning concept, using the example of our Chinese language course design.