. PERSPECTIVES ON PRACTICE . Activity-based blended learning Anoush Margaryan and Betty Collis University of Twente Andy Cooke Shell EP Learning, Leadership and Development Abstract: As part of the trend towards blended learning, the Open University of Shell International Exploration and Production is shifting from predefined content-based learning to activity-based learning grounded in learners’ actual workplace problems. This article acts as a case study by describing key design principles adopted by the organization and also describes how the shift addressed courses that served multinational participants. Data are provided on the learning activities in thirty-seven courses redesigned in 2002 (covering nearly 300 separate learning activities). The article concludes with some comments on work that still needs to be done as well as key implications for practitioners in other organizations. Keywords: blended learning, work-based learning activities, corporate learning. Introduction E-learning and the role of technology in workplace learning have been high-profile topics in academic and practitioner HRD publications for some years. In practice, e- learning has frequently been implemented by retaining a focus on the delivery of existing content, albeit in flexible multimedia packaging. This article examines how one organization, the Open University of Shell International Exploration and Production (Shell EP), sought to enhance the effectiveness of e-learning by blending technology with social interaction and collaborative learning, workplace-based activities with supervisor involvement and input from experienced facilitators. This shift related to a recently adopted blended learning model (Bianco et al. 2002; Collis 2002; Margaryan et al. 2003) emphasizing learning activities based on workplace problems of the participants, who are petroleum engineers, petrophysicists, geologists and other technical professionals from various operating units and partners of Shell EP from across the world. A key to the learning approach is the sharing of experiences related to these learning activities. This occurs via the use of a Web-based environment using the TeleTOP# system developed at the University of Twente (Collis and Moonen 2001). Courses are redesigned to emphasize not only workplace-based activities but also the submission to the common Web environment of different types of reports and reflections based on those activities. Once a collection of submissions is available, HRDI 7:2 (2004), pp. 265–274 Human Resource Development International ISSN 1367-8868 print/ISSN 1469-8374 online ª 2004 Taylor & Francis Ltd http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals DOI: 10.1080/13678860410001676574 Downloaded By: [Universiteit Twente] At: 09:00 26 February 2009