Integrating distance learning into a blended learning programme using web-conferencing technology to increase access to a part-time diploma programme

Pascaline Fresneau

Dublin Dental Hospital Trinity College Dublin

Pascaline Fresneau is the Nursing Administrator in the Dublin Dental University Hospital since 2007. In addition to providing support to the Director of Nursing, she is also the administrator for the Dental Nursing Education programmes and the online Certificate in Dental Radiography. She manages the virtual learning environments (Blackboard) for all three programmes, in addition to providing administrative and IT support to students and the Dental Nurse Tutors. Pascaline delivers Blackboard workshops to students from two of these programmes to introduce and facilitate students’ use of the online environment.She is part of the team involved with a pilot project in Trinity College Dublin in relation to Blackboard use in the institution. The project aims to enhance users’ experience of Blackboard by redesigning the interface.Pascaline has studied a number of eLearning MOOCs, and has just completed year 1 of Masters in Online and Distance Education with the Open University.

Karen Dinneen

Dublin Dental Hospital Trinity College Dublin

Karen Dinneen is a Dental Nurse Tutor in Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH) who is responsible for the part-time programme, the National Dental Nurse Training Programme of Ireland. Karen works with her colleagues in the Cork University Dental School and Hospital to facilitate this programme to student dental nurses who work in dental practices around Ireland. Karen also provides support to her colleague in DDUH for the full time diploma in dental nursing programme. She also delivers lectures to students of the orthodontic therapy and dental science programmes.Karen has extensive clinical experience as a dental nurse in private and dental hospital settings. In 2009, she joined the nursing education team in DDUH where she has since completed courses in education including the Postgraduate Diploma in Education Studies.Karen is currently completing the dissertation year of the Masters in Education (M.Ed) Higher Education in Trinity College Dublin.

Abstract

Background
The presenters of this session will describe how a part-time diploma programme delivers weekly live lectures via videoconferencing to a small number of regional centres across Ireland. In order to be viable, the regional centres must reach a minimum number of students which in more rural areas may not be realistic.

Aim and objectives
The aim of this initiative was to integrate distance learning as part of the existing blended programme to increase access for prospective external students in geographical remote areas across Ireland.

The objectives were to:
- Source and utilise a user-friendly web-conferencing software for staff and students to use easily and effectively
- Apply a project management structure during the creation and development stages of a new project
- Limit impact of technology on the programme structure
- Provide online support to distance learning students during lecture delivery

Description of innovation
This session will give an overview of how the web-conferencing software Blackboard Collaborate is used by the education team in the authors’ institution to integrate distance learning into a part-time programme, which is delivered from two institutions.

Impact of innovation
This presentation will document the processes and technologies involved (Blackboard Learn, Blackboard Collaborate and videoconferencing) to remove the geographical barriers for prospective students. Further details of the project management structure, the challenges and successes the team have encountered throughout the process, and the ease of use of Blackboard Collaborate will also be discussed.

The presenters will outline how equipment and software were integrated into the physical classroom to facilitate Blackboard Collaborate and how this was received by students, lecturers and coordinators of the programme.

Conclusions and implications
This session will also include an overview of how the team intends to continue to utilise Blackboard Collaborate in conjunction with Blackboard Learn to introduce additional online teaching and learning activities to complement the changing educational environment.

Authors

Pascaline Fresneau (Dublin Dental Hospital Trinity College Dublin)
Karen Dinneen (Dublin Dental Hospital Trinity College Dublin)

Topic Area

Innovations in research methodology, education or clinical practice

Session

PD-1 » Practice Development 1 (10:30 - Thursday, 5th November, Seminar Room 0.30)

Presentation Files

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