preparing for blended e-learning: Understanding Blended and Online Learning (Connecting with E-learning)

Blended and online learning skills are rapidly becoming essential for effective teaching and learning in universities and colleges. Covering theory where useful but maintaining an emphasis on practice, this book provides teachers and lecturers with an accessible introduction to e-learning.

Beginning by exploring the meaning of 'e-learning', it supports tutors in identifying how they plan to use technology to support courses that blend online and face-to-face interactions. Illustrated by a range of case of studies, the book covers:

• designing quality, appropriate effective and online learning
• efficient and sustainable e-learning activity
• providing appropriate feedback to learners
• devising student activities and sourcing learning resources
• managing online and offline interactions

Packed with practical advice and ideas, this book provides the core skills and knowledge that teachers in HE and FE need when starting out and further developing their teaching course design for blended and online learning.

Allison Littlejohn is the Chair in Learning Technology and Director of the Caledonian Academy at Glasgow Caledonian University, UK. She has led international research, development and implementation of innovative learning methods, including blended e-learning, in both further and higher education in the United Kingdom and United States.
Chris Pegler is a lecturer and researcher into educational technology at The Open University, UK. She has led a wide range of educational initiatives in both further and higher education and has studied and taught online since 1995. In 2004 she was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship as a ‘Rising Star’.