Emerging trends and definitions of blended learning: Reviewing informal and formal learning environments and course design

This presentation demonstrated, through an e-pilot for a course in the Diploma of Agriculture, an emerging BL design approach, the blending of formal and informal learning. It illustrated how learning materials on industry approved external databases and web-sites are integrated with current class materials. It highlighted the alignment of in-class schedules with external industry facilitated workshops, field-days and industry led regional discussion groups. The presentation then showed how detailed assessment rubrics, with identified standards and performance criteria, encourage and empower learners to create personal learning plans. It then described how e-portfolios are used to encourage peer interaction and store evidence of competency