Blended Learning Designs in STEM Higher Education: Putting Learning First

Abstract

This book offers a set of learning principles to support the design of rich learning experiences in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) higher education, including detailed evaluations and discussions for a variety of science subjects. Further, it presents a professional learning framework that can be used to support the implementation of blended learning technologies to increase buy-in from academic staff, to support grass roots initiatives, to develop a sense of community, and to sustain change. The principles developed here will help readers to think about blended learning from a learner’s perspective, put learning first, and develop activities that will help learners achieve better learning outcomes. In addition, the book addresses how to design rich, evidence-based, blended learning experiences that support learning. It demonstrates a range of learning principles in practice, with step-by-step instructions, and includes templates, supporting material, instructions and other resources to help teachers embed and adapt designs in their own subject. Readers will be equipped with an expanded toolkit of resources, designs, ideas and activities that can be directly applied in a variety of subject areas.