Blended Learning

We believe in exploring and developing a range of innovative learning and teaching methods and technologies. Blended Learning, a combination of different interactive teaching methods, is embedded in all the undergraduate and postgraduate programmes offered by the School of Health and Life Sciences.

Ranging from utilizing mobile technology to the use of “clickers” in lectures to encourage participation and debate, we aim to enhance students’ learning experience and provide a simulating learning environment that is world class. Some examples of our broad range of blending learning methods include:

GCU Learn - a centralised virtual learning environment allowing students to access course materials, announcements, blogs, wikis, podcasts, videos, digitized content, complete formative on line tests and access other resources in one place.

TurningPoint Interactive Polling Software - a wireless clicker used in classes by students to vote/respond to questions/debates posed by academic staff. The anonymous results are instantly displayed in real-time providing instant feedback, immediately highlighting students understanding and identify areas which require further academic support.

Peerwise - Student-Created Multiple-Choice Question Bank – ability to assess a student’s understanding of course related assessment questions, and provides them with the ability to answer and discuss questions created by their peers.

Virtual Learning - Nursing and CyberPsychology currently use the 3D virtual world, “Second Life” for a number of teaching, learning and assessment projects. A virtual clinical skills laboratory has been created, which features an exact replica of the Clinical Simulation Laboratories where student nurses can learn about decision-making processes. It also hosts a virtual replica of the School’s single x-ray machine, giving students the ability to gain skills in choosing accurate exposure factors.

Clinical Simulation Laboratories - a suite of rooms to reflect the real clinical situation, allowing students to learn the skills required for clinical practice in a stimulating, encouraging and safe environment. Students also have access to a VitalSim Vital Signs Simulator,connected to a manikin to simulate ECGs, heart sounds, fetal heart sounds, breath sounds, bowel sounds, blood pressure and pulses. It allows lecturers to run pre-programmed scenarios as well as write their own custom scenarios to meet specific learning objectives.