Reference is made in Flexible Pedagogies: part-time learners and learning in higher education to a selection of case studies that illustrate how flexible pedagogies have been developed to support the needs of part-time learners.
This case study illustrates how digital technologies have been drawn upon to engage part-time learners who are geographically widespread.
University of Hull
Endoscopy and gastroenterology care are areas of specialist practice within healthcare which has seen a significant rise in the number of specialist non-medical professionals requiring post-registration education. Given the nature of their role students are substantively employed and are often mature. The programme is delivered online over three terms and is supported by optional workshops/study days at the start of each term. Owing to the geographical variations of the student group attendance is not compulsory although it is recommended. As a result of the non-compulsory aspect of the workshop students who are not able to attend are not put at a disadvantage since all theoretical aspects of the modules are delivered online and relevant materials from the workshop are made available to those who are unable to attend. Theoretical elements are delivered via the University VLE with tasks being released on a weekly/fortnightly basis dependent upon activity and related work. A model of social and ‘discovery’ learning has been adopted to enable students to gain skills in independent learning and contextualisation of key aspects into their own practice.
