Blended learning for non-traditional learners. Seven years of experience and future challenges at a dual mode university

Description

This paper introduces a blended-learning strategy for a dual mode university in Austria. It deals with a faculty-wide blended-learning concept called MUSSS (Multimedia Study Services Social Sciences and Economics) and summarizes the vision of MUSSS as well as findings and results of the strategic conception after seven years of experience of creating, launching as well as establishing this program. The basic idea is to provide and facilitate university studies for non-traditional learners by means of an offer, which runs parallel to traditional on campus university courses. Our program addresses for instance students having to care for children, being obliged to work, residing away from university but it is also an additional offer for on-campus students. While some (seminar) courses consist of compulsory attendance-based classes on campus, because the students’ presence is required on-site due to the structure and learning content of the course, others – especially lectures courses - are held merely via distance learning in e-learning scenarios. In this program the processes around teaching and learning are reorganized and part of the digital transition of the university such as organizing e-assessments or video lectures. The paper shows findings from different studies on enrolment development, e-assessment, and additionally presents a study concerning dropout quotes and reasons for students to leave their university without a final degree. Besides, future perspectives and prospects are introduced and explained.

Period	19 Oct 2016
Event title	EADTU: The Online, Open and Flexible Higher Education Conference
Event type	Conference
Location	ItalyShow on map