Welsh FE providers agree collaboration is key to successful online learning
New Jisc report outlines sector approaches and recommendations for effective hybrid and blended learning.
As digital technologies continue to play an increasingly vital role in both education and employment, a new report, commissioned by The Welsh Government in 2023/24, explores the evolution of online learning across further education (FE) colleges in Wales since the Covid-19 pandemic, providing guidance around best practice and delivering recommendations for future use.
The report: blended and hybrid learning in Welsh further education colleges showcases insight from 47 education experts across ten Welsh FE colleges and focuses on success factors, challenges, the need for common language, the importance of measuring impact and future aspirations.
Across the board developing a culture of collaboration was identified as a key driver of positive change, with contributors also highlighting greater partnership with industry, sector bodies, policymakers and wider FE partners as potential opportunities for innovation.
To support the future development and improvement of hybrid and blended learning in Wales the report presents key recommendations aimed at a number of stakeholders including, but not limited to:
Recommendations for teaching staff and practitioners
- Hybrid and blended delivery looks different for every class. Invest time to build trust with learners, listen and adapt to learner needs and feedback. Focus on learner needs to better understand where hybrid and blended delivery can enrich learner experiences.
- Introduce more collaborative learning opportunities to engage learners effectively in hybrid and blended learning. This includes a balance of different engagement modalities and the use of interactive digital technologies.
Recommendations for curriculum leaders and senior management
- Consult with key stakeholders, including teaching staff and learning technologists, to innovate and improve hybrid and blended delivery and invest in the appropriate supporting infrastructure.
- Invest in upskilling staff on new digital developments and innovative hybrid and blended tools and approaches. Ensure that staff can see and try these out in practice, provide peer learning opportunities, and adapt training content to make it relevant to their curriculum areas.
Recommendations for wider decision-makers and partners in the FE sector
- FE institutions and sector bodies should build on networking opportunities and cross-sector working groups to showcase and collaboratively develop good practice specific to hybrid and blended learning delivery. These communities could work together to create a shared language around hybrid and blended learning.
- Industry partners need to develop and demonstrate technologies for hybrid and blended learning that are more relevant to FE settings. They should seek and listen to feedback from FE practitioners.
- Awarding and assessment bodies should re-evaluate the place of hybrid and blended learning across different curriculum areas. They should provide more guidance around curriculum requirements and changing assessment criteria in the context of hybrid and blended learning, also considering advancements in AI technology and associated impacts on learning and assessment.
Rhys Daniels, director of Jisc in Wales said of the report:
"This study highlights the transformative power of blended and hybrid learning within our further education sector in Wales. The findings not only underline the commitment to harnessing digital technologies to enhance learning experiences and widen participation across Wales, but also serves as practical guidance for the tertiary sector.
“The study showcases the adaptability and resilience of Welsh educators and learners. As we move forward, Jisc remains dedicated to enhancing digital capabilities across Wales, working alongside Medr to ensure our educational landscape not only meets but exceeds the needs of all learners."
Further information
As digital partner, Jisc supports the development and delivery of the Digital 2030 framework for post-16 digital learning in Wales. This new report offer insights and examples around the four key national priorities outlined in the Welsh Minister’s call to action for FE institutions in December 2022.
Jisc is working alongside Medr (the recently launched commission for tertiary education and research in Wales) to support the development of an inclusive, innovative and sustainable tertiary system closely aligned with Wales’s economic and societal needs. Our priorities for Wales 2024/25 outline our aims to strengthen our collaborative relationships, provide measurable impact and support the transition to Medr over the coming year.