Abstract:

The Canadian Foreign Service Institute (CFSI) is the primary training provider for Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and offers more than 250 learning activities serving around 20,000 participants every year. CFSI's mandate encompasses providing training to all employees, managers and senior executives within GAC on a wide variety of topics e.g. foreign languages, intercultural effectiveness, leadership and management development, international affairs, corporate systems, HR and Finance.

Within the last year, CFSI piloted a blended learning program on the topic of Human Rights to departmental employees using a learning management system (LMS). One of the goals of the blended learning program was to develop within program participants 21st century learning and employability skills of communication skills, participation and networking and sharing. McLoughlin and Lee state that “… digital-age students want an active learning experience that is social, participatory and supported by rich media. Current research also points to a growing appreciation of the need to support and encourage learner control over the whole/entire learning process…” [1]

In addition, students have reported their experience with a LMS positively, when they “…experienced a unit rich with interesting and relevant resources that reflected sound educational design, including opportunities for timely feedback and, importantly, interaction with their teachers…” [2]. Some of the blended learning activities that were designed and delivered in the LMS in order to promote the acquisition among program participants of these 21st century learning and employability skills will be discussed further. Results achieved through the design and delivery of this blended learning program can inform the design and implementation of future blended learning programs using a LMS.

Keywords:

Learning, blended learning, learning management system, corporate training, government, 21st century skills, learning competency, technology, Canada.