A model for transformation

A transdisciplinary approach to disseminating good practice in blended learning in a science faculty

Abstract

A project for the dissemination of blended learning design in the faculty of Science used a successful foundational course in materials engineering, where online and face-to-face components were fully integrated, as an exemplar for similar developments in other science disciplines. The team-based process promoted academic development of online learning expertise, and the redeveloped courses now provide a model for blended learning in their respective disciplines, while the focus on benefit to student learning has resulted in significant improvements in student outcomes and experience in all the courses involved. This paper describes the transdisciplinary, collaborative, exemplar-based model used in the development process, investigates the impact on students and teachers of the course developments, and evaluates the effectiveness of the approach as a model for curriculum development and for academic development.