
Finding the Right Mix? Teaching European Studies through Blended Learning Alexandra Mihai Institute for European Studies (IES) Vrije Universtiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium
…a labyrinth? Complex Multidisciplinary A rapidly moving target
Need for… … a flexible pedagogical approach But…
But… … is all this education or just information?
Our approach Three combined/complementary methods • E-learning: the E-modules • Face-to-face seminars • Webinars: online seminars via Elluminate vOffice™
E-modules • an online learning tool offering a structured and interactive way of learning about the history of the European Union, its structure, policy areas and decision-making processes • combines a knowledge/theoretical component with a practical component (i.e. case studies, real-life scenarios, EU case law) • User-friendly interface- learners are in control • Tools for self-assessment and evaluation
Face-to-face teaching • Three days intensive seminars in Brussels conducted by academics and practitioners • provide an advanced understanding of the EU institutions and the decision-making process • Balance of theory and practice • Reduced group size aimed to create a “learning community” and facilitate interaction
Webinars • Synchronous online interaction tool • Used for various pedagogical purposes: • “virtual office hours” • Ice-breaking & feedback sessions • Short online seminars • Longer online conferences • Using Elluminate vOffice™ • Complements the E-modules and the face-to-face seminars
Why mix? Organise content around the learners: be where they are! Facilitate access to knowledge and expertise
Blended learning… = more than the sum of its parts
Finding the right mix The European Studies blended learning continuum
Challenges? • Self-paced vs. interaction/building a ”learning community” • Managing complexity at various levels (content, technical & student management) • Need for specific skills for the educators to operate in a virtual environment (“train the trainer”)
Thank you for your attention! Alexandra.Mihai@vub.ac.be www.emodules.be