How did the reality of your last Blended Learning project measure up to its vision? Have you considered immersing the learner into a first person thinker gaming environment to improve measured performance? What are some possibilities and limitations of delivering content via web based gaming environments? Do your facilitators know how to manage a virtual classroom? How can the various definitions and ideas of blended learning be applied and implemented?

Staff from the Army Medical Department Noncommissioned Officers Academy adapted resident and legacy distant learning courseware into web based e-Learning using scenario-based and performance-assessed learning activities. Content is delivered using a level 3 interactive multimedia instructional designs focusing on the learner's decision-making skills based on front loaded knowledge interactivities. Currently there are various definitions for Blended Learning (BL), which most include employing various media tools to access and enhance learning. Our initiative is to create a true BL environment, which connects all activities and exercises into a total learning experience. This is done by making everything relevant to the overall learning outcome objective.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will:

•           Analyze visions versus realities involving Blended Learning environments and share knowledge.

•           Examine methods to employ a blended learning environment.

Frank Cassidy has worked in the healthcare and education fields for over 30 years. He holds graduate degrees in Business Administration, specializing in Healthcare Services Management, and in Education, specializing in Curriculum and Instruction. His teaching experience encompasses various environments within civilian and military institutions. He's delivered curriculum in traditional classrooms, lectures, demonstrations, small group facilitation and conference presentations, including college settings as an adjunct professor. Currently, he’s employed with the Department of Defense, as a Training Specialist for the Army Medical Department, Noncommissioned Officers Academy. In this position he shares knowledge and experience in the curriculum development process. He also is the primary trainer to staff and faculty on new and revised content material. His latest project involves transforming current resident and legacy distant learning into a level 1-3 interactive multimedia instruction program. This involves creating web-based e-Learning content and establishing virtual classrooms creating a Blended Learning environment.