Blended Synchronous Learning Case Study

Abstract

This article describes a blended synchronous learning (BSL) case study program in veterinary science, including the physical space for the program. The student cohort in this program was diverse with students from more than ten countries and four continents. Traditionally, the program was only provided in a face-to-face (F2F) format, before moving to completely on-line during the early COVID pandemic and then to the current BSL format with most learners located in the F2F location. The 145 students in the program were broken into two classes with groups of up to eight students working together in each class with some students online and some F2F in each group. Tools used to aid the integration of the blended class included Canvas learning management system (LMS), Zoom, Padlet, Peerwise, 4D Virtual Farm and Poll Everywhere. Students were instructed on the use of the technologies on the LMS platform and in the initial case study as part of the cohort getting to know each other. The use of the BSL environment allowed all students to participate in each case study irrespective of their physical location and allowed production of review material.  The technology allowed students to interact within and between groups well, albeit there were challenges with audio in small group Zoom breakouts, depending on the device being used.