Blended learning in postgraduate applied statistics programs

The term blended learning refers to an approach to curriculum development where some form of an online learning environment supports and enhances the traditional on-campus or face-to-face experience in an integrated manner (Oliver & Trigwell, 2005). Postgraduate applied statistics programs at Swinburne University of Technology adopted the blended learning almost a decade ago. This allows for flexibility in design approaches, and accommodates the range of blended learning capabilities and experience of teachers and learners. Blended learning design adopted in these programs has involved the thoughtful integration of learning and teaching approaches in both on-campus, face-to-face and online / virtual learning environments by utilising the benefits of each of these environments to enhance the student learning experience. These programs focus on designing learning interactions across formal teaching spaces, informal learning spaces and online learning and teaching spaces. This flexible approach has been well accepted among both online and on-campus students. This paper describes the blended structure adopted in the applied statistics programs at Swinburne and the feedback received from students during recent study periods.