According to a spokesperson for the MBA, "Blended learningcombines traditional classroom-based training withtechnology-enhanced training. Students attend a traditionalclassroom-based workshop and accompany that training with a varietyof online educational options." Online education will be completedat CampusMBA, the association's online learning center.

The MBA-United Guaranty program will feature updated industrycontent and standards. Online activities will include discussionboards, reading materials, interactive activities, "Internet fieldtrips" to recommended sites and assessments. Additionally,according to an MBA spokesperson, "United Guaranty will conductstand-up training sessions in affiliation with MBA conferenceactivities throughout the year." Workshop topics to prepare for theconferences include emerging markets, automated underwriting,credit scoring, fraud detection and loan origination basics.

"Blended learning is clearly the future of education," says ToddR. Howe, senior staff vice president of member services for theMBA. "It allows the student to have interaction with an instructorbut limits time spent out of the office. The other portion of thecourse can then be completed at his or her own pace, outside of theclassroom. This partnership with United Guaranty allows us toprovide an innovative program that accommodates the varioustraining needs of MBA's membership."