Empowering Higher Education in Bhutan with Blended Learning and AI

Blended Learning
The first two days focused on Blended Learning, a priority for RTC. The programme explored effective blended learning by consulting scientific insights, the Community of Inquiry framework and the European Maturity Model on Blended Education. Programme topics included blended learning themes, examples, tools, tool guides. In addition, the VU Amsterdam Blended Learning Design (BLD) Template, developed by Luuk Terbeek, was introduced and applied. Participants expressed their intent to adopt the BLD template in their own context. The maturity of blended learning was assessed, and concrete actions were formulated to enhance it.

Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
The programme also addressed the significant implications of Generative AI for Higher Education. An overview of AI and GenAI was provided, followed by a SWOT analysis. The intent and focus of the AI in Education working groups at VU Amsterdam and the University of Amsterdam, were discussed. Tips, guidelines, and policies were shared and discussed as well as the valuable UNESCO document: "Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research," which was well received by RTC staff. Additionally, they discussed the development of the AI Maturity in Education Scan (AIMES), a tool which aims to increase AI literacy among teachers, programme directors, and faculty board members in higher education. The development of AIMES is led by Luuk Terbeek and the tool will be published as an open educational resource in the second half of 2024.

Outlook
A delegation from RTC will visit VU Amsterdam in August 2024. Both institutions intend a long-term collaboration on blended learning and AI.

This initiative was part of the Erasmus+ project ‘Staff Mobility for Teaching,’ involving the Centre for International Cooperation at VU Amsterdam and the Centre for Innovative Teaching & Learning at RTC.