Blended learning resource hub launched

A new resource hub, developed jointly by four Scottish quality agencies, has been launched with the aim of supporting the delivery of active blended learning in universities and colleges.

The hub – which presents resources for the ‘Planning and Delivery of Active Blended Learning’ – was developed by QAA Scotland, Education Scotland, College Development Network (CDN) and Student Partnerships in Quality Scotland (sparqs).

The hub aims to introduce the concept of active blended learning, help guide educators to prepare design for active blended learning and provide practical examples of good practice.

The hub is designed to be used in different ways depending on user need and prior knowledge. Its two introductory sections offer theoretical and contextual backgrounds to the resources and their applications. The third section introduces tools and approaches that can be used to support the development of active blended learning, while the final section explores how to issue guidance to learners when introducing active blended learning.

It is the final output of a wider two-year initiative aimed at supporting the future delivery of effective and inclusive digital and blended learning. The initiative – which explored The Future of Learning and Teaching: Defining and delivering an effective and inclusive digital/blended offering – was the first cross-sector, tertiary enhancement project of its kind and was initiated by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) to help Scotland’s colleges and universities better understand the opportunities and the challenges presented by new technology.

Our new resource hub addresses needs identified through the research that was carried out by the project team and published by the Scottish Funding Council in February 2024.

Planning and Delivery of Active Blended Learning is now available on the QAA website.

Karen Gray, Assistant Director, Learning and Quality at the Scottish Funding Council, said: 'Based on research, the new hub meets a real need in Scottish tertiary education. It’s the result of a groundbreaking partnership and has benefited greatly from the expertise and experience available across QAA Scotland, Education Scotland, CDN, sparqs and the sector. It completes a long-term initiative and at the same time points the way towards similar partnerships for success in the future.'

Debra Macfarlane, Director of Regulatory Services at QAA, said: ‘This practical resource offers a perfect blend of insightful information, practical resources and examples of good practice. Cross-organisational working has delivered huge benefits in creating a resource hub which is designed to appeal to a wide range of stakeholders.’

Gill Ritchie, Strategic Director of Inspection at Education Scotland, said: This helpful resource is the result of both cross-sectoral and cross-agency collaboration and provides a useful touchpoint for the ongoing development of blended learning across the tertiary sector. It was a pleasure working alongside our agency partners in supporting its development.’

Gordon Hunt, Head of Insight, Planning & Impact at CDN, said: ‘CDN is proud to have been part of this groundbreaking project, which brought together enhancement partners from across the tertiary sector. The hub is a fantastic resource for colleagues in our tertiary institutions and will help ensure that inclusive and effective blended learning continues to enhance the experience of learners across the sector.’

Eve Lewis, sparqs director, said: ‘During sparqs’ recent series of institutional visits, the ways in which institutions make decisions about the balance of online and face to face teaching and the development of high-quality blended learning approaches emerged as key topics. Students have so much expertise to add to these discussions and the hub provides an excellent set of resources that can support these conversations.’