Faculty and Librarians in Sync: A Pedagogical Approach to Blended Learning

<p dir="ltr">The shift towards blended learning, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has emphasized the need for pedagogically sound instructional design. Building on this, Nursing Faculty at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and the University of Glasgow (UofG) partnered with SIT Librarians to develop an interactive blended learning programme aimed at strengthening honours thesis research skills for Nursing students. The programme combined theoretical concepts with case-based applications, supporting evidence that blended learning fosters independent learning (Nikolopoulou & Zacharis, 2023; Park & Shin, 2022) and improves learning outcomes (Cao, 2023). SIT's emphasis on self-directed learning and its transition to an applied learning environment at the new Punggol campus provided a strong foundation for this initiative. The online component was designed using Gagn's nine events of instruction and Bloom's taxonomy. H5P technology and Lumi, an open-source H5P editor, were used to create recorded presentations, interactive videos, quizzes, and reinforcement exercises. These elements provided immediate feedback and allowed students to learn at their own pace. Generative AI tools enhanced engagement through features such as avatars, voiceOvers, and interactive assessments. Students were guided in applying research skills to real-world nursing scenarios, ensuring that online learning translated into meaningful academic and professional competencies. The Librarian aligned with Faculty teaching by providing information and digital literacy training, which Faculty reinforced by emphasizing the importance of evidence-based references. This synchronized approach created a seamless learning experience, reinforcing students' ability to critically evaluate and apply research in clinical contexts. The programme's effectiveness was assessed through student feedback, learning outcomes, and insights from Librarians conducting research consultations. Results demonstrated improved research competency and aligned with SIT's broader goals of fostering self-directed learning and preparing students for ongoing professional development. This initiative serves as a case study demonstrating the potential of Faculty-Library collaborations in designing effective blended learning experiences. As higher education continues to move beyond traditional teaching models, the insights gained can inform similar efforts, particularly in professional degree programmes where research skills are essential for academic and career success.</p>