GRAPHIC DESIGN NEEDS OF A BLENDED LEARNING CURRICULUM

The Department of Occupational Therapy (DOT) has introduced blended learning within a problem based learning curriculum over the past 2 years. The need for graphic design support for teaching and learning activities within both the face-to-face (F2F) and Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) activities has been highlighted. This study was a cross-sectional survey of the needs of the 12 lecturers of the DOT. The surveys were delivered electronically via a VLE that was created for e-Lecturer collaboration and communication. The data was analysed descriptively. The results document current activities that have used the graphic design support services of the School of Therapeutic Science e-Learning Project, and the perceived benefit of the service as well as anticipated future needs. The results of this study indicate the need for expanding the School of Therapeutic Science e-Learning Project’s staffing to increase the availability of graphic design support to the lecturers of the DOT. The lecturers feel that their teaching and learning activities have a professional quality that they are unable to achieve with out this service. They are enthusiastic about content development and being creative in their learning activities.