National Adult Literacy Database

This report offers an assessment of the current state of “blended delivery” in Ontario’s college-based adult upgrading (AU) and literacy and basic skills (LBS) programs.

Blended delivery refers to courses that combine face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning. Such an approach, also known as hybrid delivery, is used to maximize both student learning and physical resources.

To get a picture of the state of blended delivery, three surveys were conducted early in 2011: a survey of college AU/LBS practitioners; a survey of college professional development staff; and a survey of AU/LBS students at Cambrian, Durham, Georgian, Mohawk, Sault and Sheridan colleges.

Based on these results, the author says, it is clear that blended delivery and the use of technology is the way of the future; students want and are prepared for flexible course delivery options; and while there are challenges to developing such courses, there are supports in place at most colleges to help practitioners move forward.