A relatively new approach to education, blended learning is a hybrid teaching method that combines traditional classroom instruction with online learning. It is increasingly being incorporated into our Learning and Development Programmes. Participants can now combine the e-learning courses available on UN.Skillport with instructor-led training which links theory to the UN context. Blended learning allows students to take advantage of technology that was previously not available in traditional instruction.
This approach is increasingly being used in the UN common system as it combines the best of online learning and classroom instruction. Courses currently include Cross Cultural Communication, Project Management and Microsoft Excel, among others, which are available from beginner to advanced levels.
Participants can study at their own pace online. During the instructor-led workshops, students gain a better understanding of the material covered online and have the opportunity to engage in dynamic discussions and share their experiences.
Blended learning in action
In Addis Ababa, the ECA has been using blended learning since 2010 when full certification for the International Computer Driving License (ICDL) was launched. The response from staff members in Addis Ababa to this style of learning has been very positive.
In 2012, the IT Learning Programme in New York began offering a series of blended learning workshops such as Cross Cultural Communication and Introduction to Workplace Conflict Resolution. These workshops combine the one hour online UN.Skillport course with a two hour instructor-led class which encourages discussion and puts theory into practice.
A participant of the Cross Cultural Communication workshop explains, “The course that I attended is a new and interesting way of learning. It became effective because most staff members who attended really took the time to finish the online pre-requisite training that made them participate more. The instructor reinforced what we learned online by also having an interactive group session.”
In 2013, UNOG introduced blended Microsoft Excel courses which include topics such as new features for users of different versions and formatting.
“I found the blended courses to be a perfect solution. I liked being able to do things and discover the features at my own pace and still know that someone is there for queries and additional information”, said a participant from a course held in Geneva.
Blended workshops also support informal knowledge-sharing among peers. The IT Learning Programme welcomes volunteers to help conduct blended workshops. Any staff member who has expertise in a specialized field can be a volunteer facilitator.
Interested in blended workshops?
If you are interested in leading a blended workshop, or would like to suggest a topic, please contact your local learning manager, learning focal point or Andreas Lange, Deputy Chief of the Learning, Leadership and Organizational Development Section, at lange@un.org.