The blended learning course is a combination of distance learning study, on-line training and workshops and tutorials held at KLC’s Studios in Chelsea Harbour. The schedule of workshops is given here.
This affords students the flexibility of studying from home, but with the support and structured programme of an on-site course. This method of study also enables students to achieve the prestigious KLC Professional Diploma Qualification in just over two years without necessarily having to give up work or family commitments.
Existing KLC distance learning students can also elect to upgrade their study package to benefit from the additional support mechanisms of blended learning and fast-track their training (although this requires students to start the blended learning course from the beginning).
Through KLC’s website, blended learning students will access a range of on-line support services. Students download study modules and worksheets from the site, which then keeps track of progress through the course. This allows students access to their study material from anywhere in the world.
Regular online tutorials (about one per term) will be held with a KLC tutor in a virtual classroom. These online tutorials will be given on specific subjects with a live video link to the tutor, course notes and powerpoint presentations. KLC uses Adobe Connect, which is a secure flexible web communication system that allows on-line training, web conferencing and online collaboration, and allows students to have an interactive experience with both the tutor and other students in the classroom.
The website is also being developed as the Learning Resource Centre, so that students can access examples of other students’ work, take part in lively discussions on the bulletin board and chat room, view and amend their personal details and access other relevant course information such as their student study guide, course timetable, latest news and the useful links page.
Extensive Support Throughout Studies
Students taking this blended learning course benefit from all the unique support services that we offer our traditional learning students. However, in addition to this, blended learning students are overseen by their course tutor, who will be your mentor and monitor your progress from day one of your studies through to your graduation. Your course tutor will contact you by telephone once a term to discuss your progress.
You will also be given a schedule for your distance learning studies setting down fixed deadlines for projects to be submitted that will ensure that you complete your studies within the specified timeframe. The course culminates in a one week course that includes three days of examinations.
KLC Staff are also available (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.30pm) to rapidly respond to any course queries by phone, fax or e-mail. Our maximum response time is usually within one working day, but we will endeavour to respond to blended learning students’ queries within 2 hours during office hours.
Blended Learning Students also have to attend regular tutorials (approximately every four months) with groups of 5-6 students. These will allow detailed feedback on project work and invaluable preparation for future assignments. These tutorials also provide a forum for debate and shared ideas amongst students, often leading to independent study networks.
Gain Employment
Students successfully completing this course to the required standard and passing the final exams will be awarded a KLC Professional Diploma, which is the same qualification received by the students studying the intensive full-time one year course.
KLC is very proactive about helping graduates find employment at the end of the course. Marcy Brown, Director of Careers, is available to offer advice on CV’s, portfolio presentation and career direction and, with many approaches from some of the leading design companies, is often able to put graduates directly in touch with potential employers. It may also be possible to find Blended Learning Students some work experience whilst they are studying on the course, but we cannot guarantee a placement.
Projects
Blended Learning Students will have to complete 5 projects (and 2 notebooks), which will form the basis of their portfolio to show prospective clients and employers. Included in these will be a history of style notebook, a product design project, a high end residential project and a commercial project. Students will also have to complete the following:-
Textiles, trimmings and window treatments notebook
History of style notebook
Research on contemporary designers
Guided exercises and coursework for discussion at tutorials
Rendering notebook and Sketchbook
YEAR ONE
One Week Foundation Course (15-19 September 2008)
Introduction to your studies
Introductory Technical Drawing Course – including instruction on drafting plans, elevations and sections
Inspirational session including design today and trends
Introduction to colour
Design process – explaining the role of the designer, putting your new skills into context
Saturday Workshops
Concepts (8 November 2008)
Sampleboards (14 March 2009)
Sourcing, Developing A Scheme & Sketching (13 June 2009)
Weekday Workshops (1 Day)
Axonometric Projection Drawing (8 January 2009)
Lighting (15 May 2009)
YEAR TWO
One Week Intermediary Course (7-11 September 2009)
Computer Aided Design (VectorWorks)
Perspectives
Colour Rendering
Saturday Workshops
Project Workshop – focusing on Detailed Working Drawings (7 November 2009)
2 Point Perspectives (15 May 2010)
Project Worksop – focusing on verbal presentation (16 October 2010)
Weekday Workshops (1 Day)
Project Workshop – focusing on Accessories (5 February 2010)
Presentation Skills (13 July 2010)
YEAR THREE (One Term Only)
One Week Final Course (13-17 December 2010)
Revision Sessions
3 Days of Exams
Presentation of final project
Careers advice and portfolio surgery
