HC3 has invited experts in the field of blended learning, as well as participants from a variety of organizations and institutions who represent expertise in social and behavior change communication, capacity building, learning and blended learning to an all-day, expert consultation on June 17, 2014 in Baltimore, MD.
For the purpose of this consultation and future HC3 activities, blended learning is defined as the combination of a variety of learning media (face-to-face, online, radio, print, social media) and learning environments (instructor-led, teamwork, peer-to-peer interaction, self-study and individual work). Blended learning approaches are seen as an effective way to strengthen programs through combining existing materials and various modalities (radio programs, eLearning, print materials, etc.), and to lower the costs associated with face-to-face instruction in low resource locations.
HC3 has selected four panelists to provide insight, advice, approaches, and suggestions on how to best use a blended learning approach to build the capacity of SBCC professionals in indigenous institutions. Panelist will represent their assigned area of focus (needs analysis, instructional design/development, implementation, and evaluation). Most participants are US-based with extensive experience in low resource settings.
The consultation will be divided into two sessions; the morning session will consist of presentations from the invited panel members and prepared remarks based upon a blended learning literature review, experience and expertise, as well as case examples based on the four groups most commonly involved in creation of communication programs—SBCC professionals, Ministries of Health, Universities, and Health Workers. Participants will then post questions to the panel as a whole. During the afternoon session, participants and panelists will participate in working groups in one of four case scenarios (health worker, ministry, university, SBCC professional) with the aim to develop key recommendations and a package or guide on developing a blended learning approach to capacity building for SBCC professionals.
