Blended Learning – the way forward for veterinary nursing?

ABSTRACT:

Distance learning, and in particular blended learning (BL) courses, are becoming an increasingly popular mode of delivery within the higher education (HE) sector. In certain disciplines, including veterinary nursing, the faculty centred paradigm is being moved away from being lecture-centred and the students are being taught critical analytical skills, where they are the focal point within the learning environment.

The term blended learning has recently become a 21st century ‘buzz phrase’ and the impact of this is that it has been ‘unpicked’ by both academia and industry and hence has taken on many meanings and definitions. According to Bersin (2004) the term blended means that traditional instructor-led training is being supplemented with other formats and, in this case, they are always in the electronic form.¹

This interpretation insinuates that, although there will always be a role for the lecturer or tutor to deliver learning in the classroom, the prediction appears to be that BL is the next step in the future of technology based learning for veterinary nursing.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Katherine Kissick

Katherine Kissick

MAEd RYN Cert Ed FlfL,

Kathy qualified from Rodbaston College as a Registered Animal Nursing Auxiliary in 1983 and then worked in small animal practices in Stockport and Preston. She completed her MAEd in 2008 and sits on the Veterinary Nursing Council. Kathy is currently the Head of School for Veterinary Nursing and Farriery at Myerscough College.