Blended and flexible learning is about having a vibrant, innovative mix that combines the best aspects of high-quality digital material with on-campus, face-to-face discussions, labs, lectures and seminars.
Watch Steve Pettifer’s video on how blended learning can work in practice.
As a University, we want to move in this direction to give you an outstanding student experience and the best learning outcomes. Some subjects, for example in Humanities, have always taught using this approach with readings being set before seminar discussions, so whether this feels like a big change will depend on your programme of study.
A blended approach means you’ll use your time on campus with our expert teaching staff and your peers for active learning – to have discussions, solve problems, collaborate and dig deeper into materials, while also making sure you gain the digital skills you need for your future careers. Learn more about why we’re moving in this direction.
So what’s next? We’re only at the start of this journey, meaning that you’ll have lots of opportunities to shape the Flexible Learning strategy which will go to Senate in 2022. Tell us what you need so we can make this successful, for all of you.
Flexible Learning student workshops
If you’re a UG or PGT student, we want to hear your ideas and suggestions to help us shape the Flexible Learning strategy. PGR students are invited to sign up for the staff sessions.
In November and December, we’ll be running one-hour online workshops on:
- Assessments – how can we design inclusive and accessible assessments that prepare you for your future career?
- Accessibility and inclusivity – how can we make sure our teaching and learning is inclusive and accessible by design?
- Training and skills – which skills do you need for blended learning and how can we best help you gain these?
- Technology (software and hardware) – how can technology support your learning?
- Space on campus – how should our campus change to offer the right spaces for blended learning? (These workshops will take place on campus and include a tour of MECD)
- Innovation – a workshop for innovators and blue-sky thinkers: what will the Universities of the future be like?
If you take part in one of these sessions, you’ll also be invited to a joint staff and student session in February, and you will receive a £15 Amazon voucher as a thank you!
Register your interest for the workshops (the sign-up form will take 2 minutes to complete).
If you’re unable to attend the workshop sessions, there will also be a student survey on Flexible Learning in December – keep an eye out on My Manchester News and in your weekly student newsletter.
This is your opportunity to make your voice heard and shape the future of our University – we hope you get involved and look forward to seeing you at the workshops.
Dan and Steve
Professor Dan George, Associate Vice-President for Blended and Flexible Learning
Professor Steve Pettifer, University Academic Lead for Digital Learning