In BLUE we will make use of different pedagogical tools to provide training in marine sciences. The approach is multi-level with regards to depth of study. Parts of the syllabus will be available in open access format to the public, in unsupervised, but structured mode.
Workshops As preparation to the workshops, we will publish a series of multimedia chapters online. These will address all the topics of the five multi-disciplinary workshops. The workshops will be performed in a hybrid format, making use of the iCourse in combination with different forms of active and participatory learning. This includes seminars, computer labs, role plays, lectures and fieldwork. The workshops are problem-oriented, and participants will search for adequate information online. In contrast to the online courses, the workshops are campus and field-based and open only to selected students. The training level is adequate for early MSc researchers. It requires some independent work, information search and communication skills. However, much of the multi-disciplinary and multi-media syllabus will also be accessible to BSc students interested in marine and social sciences, as well as to keen members of the public.
Networked semester (NORLANKA EDUONLINE) NorLanka Blue was planned to develop a special course on mixed research methodology in a digital learning platform by 2022. Owing to delays brought about by the pandemic, this will be offered early in 2024. This course will be available to MSc and early PhD students registered in the consortium of institutions in the project. Students from other associated institutions will be accepted provided the institution contributes to the common development and implementation effort. The course will be problem-oriented. The topics are introduced by teachers, who also moderate the discussion. Problem-solving happens within the network of learners. These are expected to connect to create and construct knowledge (cOC). Most of the course will be offered in distance learning mode using a variety of pedagogical tools. The format chosen is that of a Small Private Online Course (SPOC). This has a low intensity of formal, discursive lectures. Instead, emphasis is laid on supervision and on student-led research and learning.
Outreach and school science projects (PEARL-IN-BLUE and BLUE SCHOOL) In BLUE, we intended to start at least one collaborative project at K12 level. This would be a citizen science initiative networked among schools of Sri Lanka and Norway. The approach was to be theme-oriented, multi-disciplinary and, if possible, online-based. The onset of the pandemic delayed or hindered part of the initial plans but gave an added opportunity to collaborate with many schools in Sri Lanka. During the pandemic the schools became familiar with online learning. The wreckage of a ship off Colombo harbor was the trigger to a large outreach project, Pearl-in-Blue. This was followed by a national school project on Social Sciences, Blue School, which was implemented by our own students. These were needed initiatives in the country. There was little or no information available about impacts and remediation of such wreckages. Similarly, social sciences were largely neglected in the school curricula. These courses were purely online-based and are still available to the wide public.