Methods for Delivering Learning
When it comes to delivering instruction, there are many methods that come to mind (web sites, DVDs, interactive CD-ROMs, printed materials, live presentations, etc.) Each of these methods have their strengths and weaknesses, both for the learner and the creator. However, I think the strength in delivering instruction is in combining delivery formats. This idea is commonly known as Blended Learning.
A good example of a blended learning environment can be seen right here at BYU. Norm Nemrow, a professor in the Accounting department, has become famous for his interactive CD-ROM accounting course. Students enrolled in his course give it high reviews, and even out-perform students in traditional courses. In addition, the course is an economical solution for dealing with the high enrollment the school of business has in its accounting classes. In fact, there was so much success that the course was implemented at BYU Idaho. However, at BYU-I the course was a flop! The same instruction that was so successful in Utah was booed off the stage in Idaho. How could this be?
Well, even though Nemrow’s interactive CD-ROMs were in the spotlight, this course was actually using a blended learning delivery system. In addition to the content delivered on the CDs, Nemrow also planned 5 workshops per semester where speakers would be invited to help motivate the students and build a context around their learning of accounting. While I don’t pretend to know all of the details of the implementation of the program in Idaho, I do know that Nemrow wasn’t there.
This example points out two important points when it comes to talking about blended learning. First, it is often much more effective to have multiple forms of delivery of instruction. Second, instruction that is successful when using multiple delivery formats does not remain successful when any one part of that delivery is used by itself.
I think the idea of blended learning is a key to successful delivery. Fortunately there is a lot of information about blended learning and how to successfully create blended learning environments. Learning Circuits talks about how and when to blend learning in their article “What Works in Blended Learning”. Another good resource for Blended Learning information is the e-Learning center’s Blended Learning Library. And don’t forget that you can always Google “Blended Learning” for even more information.
July 5th, 2005 at 3:29 am
I just read this post, which is quite a while after it was written. But I am not sure where Richard is getting his facts, but BYU Idaho has never used Norm’s accounting course. I mean no disrespect, but I know for a fact this is not true. Just thought I would mention it.
Cameron
P.S. BYU- Hawaii currently uses the CDs with much success; however; they do use a modified model from the one used at BYU Utah.
P.P.S Norm has a new website at www.byuaccounting.com
August 25th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
My name is Kevin Kimball. I am an accounting professor at BYU-Hawaii and have been using Norm’s CDs in our blended delivery of the introduction to financial accounting course for a few years now.
Contrary to Provo’s approach that only requires attendance on the first two introductory days and at the required lectures (8 I believe), we require attendance every day (class sizes of 37) and we review the material in class every day and have students practice in class every day.
We have seen very good success with our students. Based on a survey of our students that we administer at the end of every semester, 82% of our students would recommend that other students take accounting using the CD-based approach. 88% note that they “agree” to “very strongly agree” that they would take another CD-based course if provided in a similar format.