At ACU blended learning is defined as the combination of face-to-face and online learning, with purposeful integration of educational technologies and innovative learning design, to enhance the student learning experience.

The following image shows the relationship between blended learning and the ACU study modes.

blended learning includes Attendance and Multi-mode study modes. Online is not blended.

Study modes

The following definitions are a guide only and can be adapted by faculties to meet the needs of their disciplines.

Download the detailed ACU study modes: a guide for academics (PDF 128KB).

Principal mode of delivery: Face to face

Learning descriptor

Learning in this unit will require face-to-face attendance in specific physical location/s.
Students will have face-to-face interactions with lecturer(s) and/or industry practitioners to achieve the learning outcomes.
For units with industry/work experience, supervision is undertaken by the lecturer(s)/supervisors either in person and/or virtually (e.g. online).

Examples of technology use

The following may be accessible to students online:

  • unit outline
  • notices/announcements
  • assessment information, submission, marking and return of results/feedback
  • learning resources (e.g. readings, lecture notes, audio or video recorded material, lecture slides
  • activities – individual and group (e.g. discussions, quizzes, wikis).

Technologies used to enhance face to face delivery may include:

  • live quizzes/polling
  • simulations
  • industry required technology.

Location

Will include some online access and  combinations of the following:

  • On campus
  • Intensives
  • industry/workplace experiences (such as practicums and clinical practice).

Principal mode of delivery: Face to face and virtual

Learning descriptor

Learning in this unit requires some face-to-face attendance and will contain complementary online activities.

Unit will likely require the use of online communication and collaboration tools to achieve interactions amongst students, and with the lecturer(s)/industry expert on a regular basis.

The proportion of face-to-face time will vary between different units.

For units with industry/work experience, supervision is undertaken by the lecturer(s)/supervisors either in person and/or virtually (e.g. online).

Examples of technology use

The following may be accessible online to students:

  • unit outline
  • notices/announcements
  • assessment information, submission, marking and return of results/feedback.

Learning resources and activities may include the following (but not limited to):

  • web links
  • simulations
  • quizzes
  • videos
  • interactives
  • readings
  • lecture notes/slides
  • audio.

Collaboration may be facilitated through:

  • webinars
  • online discussion groups
  • blogs
  • wikis
  • other shared digital tools.

Technologies used to enhance face to face delivery may include:

  • live quizzes/polling
  • simulations
  • industry required technology.

Location

Will include online and a combination of the following:

  • on campus,
  • intensives,
  • industry/workplace experiences (such as practicums and clinical practice).

Principal mode of deliveryVirtual

Learning descriptor

Learning in this unit does not require any physical campus attendance. The unit will be delivered virtually (online) by means of technology.

Learning will have elements that are self-directed and self-paced. Unit will likely also require the use of online communication and collaboration tools to achieve interactions amongst students, and with the lecturer(s)/industry expert on a regular basis.

Learning in this mode will be largely asynchronous (‘anywhere, anytime learning’), but could also include synchronous events (e.g. live webinar).

Examples of technology use

The following may be accessible online to students:

  • unit outline
  • notices/announcements
  • assessment information, submission, marking and return of results/feedback.

Learning resources and activities may include the following (but not limited to):

  • web links
  • simulations
  • quizzes
  • videos
  • interactives
  • readings
  • lecture notes/slides
  • audio.

Collaboration may be facilitated through:

  • webinars
  • online discussion groups
  • blogs
  • wikis
  • other shared digital tools.

Location

Technology will be used to support off campus delivery

Page last updated on 23/03/2021

Learning & teaching

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