Blended learning at the E learning Update Conference 2017

The entrance to the OR Tambo airport in Kempton Park, near the venue of the conference.

I agree with Masie (2006:22) that all learning is in fact blended learning and therefore I am grateful for the shift towards focusing on blended learning in the E learning environment. For some years now, I put the E Learning Update Conference on my wish list but never managed to make it there (maybe because it is held in Johannesburg – too close for a stayover and each time I thought about the traffic issue, I decided to just ignore the postings on my calendar).  

Next year though, this conference will not only celebrate its tenth year, it will also focus on blended learning. On the web page it is stated that the focus is not on technology but on blending to enhance learning. Like all other inventions (language, writing and the printing press), the technological developments of our current era are just supporting education and not replacing it.

Littlejohn and Pegler (2007:75-6) stated that blended learning consists of four adjustable aspects, namely time, space, media and activity.  The overlap and size of these blending ‘bubbles’ can be adjusted to serve individual educators, students and institutions. And this is where the real value of blended learning lies for me – the ability to adjust and to suite individual needs because we are long past the uniformity of the industrial era. 

The call for papers is open until 15 January 2017 and presenters only pay R3500, delegates pay R7500 (Why?). There are also packages for four or more delegates and early bird discounts available on the web page. The conference dates are 5-7 September 2017 at the Emperors Palace in Kempton Park (near the OR Tambo airport for those of you who are flying and not having to negotiate the traffic). You can express your interest on the web page and will be included in the mailing list.

Littlejohn, A. & Pegler, C. (2007). Preparing for blended e-learning. New York: Routledge.

Masie, E. (20060. The blended learning imperative. In C.J. Bonk & C.R. Graham (eds). The handbook of blended learning: Global perspectives, local designs (San Francisco: Pfeiffer), pp. 22-26.