Module 1: Why learning mobility

Blended mobility is a combination of physical mobility with collaborative online learning, exchange and teamwork. 

Blended mobility might become more popular in the future due to various physical mobility restrictions related to COVID, but also for environmental reasons. Below are excerpts from the new Erasmus+ programme guide (2021-2027) relating to higher education:

• Any study period or traineeship abroad of any duration, including doctoral mobility, may be carried out as a blended mobility. Blended mobility is a combination of physical mobility with a virtual component facilitating a collaborative online learning exchange and teamwork. For example, the virtual component can bring learners together online from different countries and study fields to follow online courses or work collectively and simultaneously on assignments that are recognised as part of their studies (Erasmus+ Programme Guide, pp. 45). 
• The institutions should promote blended mobility (...) within their institution to offer more flexible mobility formats and further enhance the learning outcomes and impact of physical mobility (Erasmus+ Programme Guide, pp. 44). 
• Any student, in particular those who are not able to participate in a long-term physical mobility for studies or for traineeships, may combine a shorter physical mobility with a virtual component. In addition, any student may participate in blended intensive programmes. In these cases, physical mobility must (…) be combined with a compulsory virtual component facilitating collaborative online learning exchange and teamwork (Erasmus+ Programme Guide, pp. 49).

Nordplus has a similar temporary rule for the period 2020-2022 that the projects can change “regular mobilities” for “digital/virtual mobilities”, including the option of extending the project period to be able to carry out postponed activities. For more detailed information and approval of changes the individual main administrators of the five sub-programmes should be contacted.