Blended Learning in Education of Faculty Members

Abstract

One of the paths that lead to excellence in teaching in higher education involves training of faculty members in higher education pedagogy. This study gives a summary of individual surveys and hands-on experience acquired through implementation of methodology courses for faculty members. At the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen and at other higher education institutions throughout the Czech Republic, these courses have been taking place since 2004. The paper describes organizational models of faculty training programmes, which were inspired by international trends and proven by application in practice. These models benefit from combining face-to-face and on-line learning techniques blended learning. In terms of their content, the above courses were devoted to the methodology of distance and on-line education and conceived as courses in higher education pedagogy for beginning teachers in higher education. The paper also provides a description of "Constructivism in a Nutshell" course.