Development and Dissemination of Blended Learning in Civil Engineering Education: A Comprehensive Approach

摘要

This paper describes the development and dissemination of a blended learning module template, based on WebCT Vista. The learning environment designed aims to facilitate the emergence of an active Community of Inquiry leading to deep and meaningful learning. The modular design of the template takes into account the loaded schedules of busy engineering lecturers and it allows them to improve course materials and to develop new learning scenarios to fit the learners' needs, in an easy and flexible way. The authors note that e-learning tools are but one of the means of providing a successful learning experience. Other influential parameters in the learning environment (e.g. teaching and facilitating skills) should be adapted to the demands of blended learning. The template has been designed using the requirements imposed from three perspectives: pedagogical, techno-social, and organisational. It is believed that a comprehensive approach is necessary to the success of the dissemination of blended learning within Civil Engineering education.