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Work Profile: Olivia Moran

FÁSBlended Learning

Pilot

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An part of my role at CMD Training Institute, I piloted a blended learning programme for FÁS, Ireland’s

National Training and Employment Authority.

FÁS Blended Learning

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The National Training Authority had been looking for a way to incorporate online methodologies into their

classroom based training courses in 2009.

The main objective of the blended learning pilot scheme was to develop a model for ‘best practice’

and evaluate the effectiveness of blended learning for delivering FÁS training programmes.

The experience gained from the pilot was to be used in the decision to roll out blended learning nationally.

FÁS Blended Learning

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The blended learning training programme for ECDL involved a mix of training materials and delivery

methods.

I was required to provide a number of classroom based workshops in addition to the online element of the course which was delivered using Moodle.

FÁS Blended Learning

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• Establish a pilot blended learning programme in 3 different geographical locations for ECDL• Determine best blend of tools and

technologies for this programme• Create exemplar models for online delivered

training

FÁS Blended Learning

Aim of Blended Learning Pilot

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• Create standardised guidelines for instructional design• Create standards of evaluation• Determine the best mix of mediums for

communicating with learners

FÁS Blended Learning

Aim of Blended Learning Pilot …

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Established Vision• Clearly articulated vision for blended learning

course to learners and outlined the importance of online learning

• Set learner and tutor expectations• Established rules of engagement for learner

and tutors

FÁS Blended Learning

My Tactics

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Pedagogical• Created a sense of dynamic interaction• Experimented with various materials and

E-Learning technologies• Established a clear tutor persona for learners

i.e. [importance of being considered a real tutor in the online environment]

• Created online materials to promote learning

FÁS Blended Learning

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The Learning Environment• Created an environment that makes it easy

for learners to contribute to and collaborate with classmates

• Clearly conveyed course instructions• Established a clear format that links and

guides learners into resources in the course management system and also the Web

• Continually adjusted course material in response to learner feedback

FÁS Blended Learning

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Students• Identified ideal student profile• Communicated the importance of learner

ownership and their responsibility to learn• Provided opportunities for learner

participation i.e. [online group chats] as well as the creation of their own personal profile

• Constant motivation of learners through the most appropriate means

FÁS Blended Learning

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Tutor• Communicated expectations to learners and

expected high standards from all learners• Actively undertook actions to avoid learner

isolation in the online environment, in order to minimise withdrawal from the course

• Constant focus on excellence and quality standards

• Created an open dialogue and rapport with learners and maintained regular contact

FÁS Blended Learning

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• Established creditable blended learning programme for FÁS• Following the success of the pilot the

scheme was rolled out nationally• Created standards of evaluation which FÁS

use for evaluating the success of their blended learning programmes

FÁS Blended Learning

Results

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David Kennedy: E-Learning & Learner Support Manager @ FÁS

FÁS Blended Learning

Recommendations

Olivia Moran

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Learn more about me and check out more of my presentations at

www.oliviamoran.me

FÁS Blended Learning