eprintid: 10002022 rev_number: 21 eprint_status: archive userid: 587 source: pure dir: disk0/00/00/20/22 datestamp: 2010-03-19 10:27:12 lastmod: 2017-12-07 21:06:05 status_changed: 2010-03-19 10:27:12 type: article metadata_visibility: show item_issues_count: 0 creators_name: Hughes, Gwyneth creators_id: gwyneth.hughes@ioe.ac.uk title: Using blended learning to increase learner support and improve retention ispublished: pub divisions: B14 abstract: Improving retention and identifying ‘at risk’ learners are high profile issues in Higher Education and a proposed solution is providing good learner support. Blending of online learning with classroom sessions offers the potential to use a virtual learning environment both to deliver learning activities and to support learners using a distance learning model. Online tracking can also help to target ‘at risk’ learners quickly. In an action research project to improve retention, a blended module with proactive tutor support was compared both with a previous cohort of the module, and with similar classroom-only modules where there was no focus on learner support. Learners were also interviewed and the tutor kept records of the learner contact time. The resulting improved coursework submission rate was attributed to learner motivation as a result of peer and tutor support. The total teaching time was no greater in this model, although the workload distribution changed and the tutor needed to be highly skilled in e-learning. date: 2007-06 date_type: published oa_status: green language: eng primo: open primo_central: open_green full_text_status: public publication: Teaching in Higher Education volume: 12 number: 3 pagerange: 349-363 pages: 15 refereed: TRUE issn: 1356-2517 citation: Hughes, Gwyneth; (2007) Using blended learning to increase learner support and improve retention. Teaching in Higher Education , 12 (3) pp. 349-363. Green open access document_url: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10002022/1/Hughes2007Using351.pdf