scholarly journals A qualitative analysis of student experiences of a blended learning course

Author(s):  
Peter Ruijten ◽  
Eline Hooijman

Blended learning has become a popular topic in higher education. A blended learning course combines face-to-face instructions with computer-mediated instructions in any possible ratio. Even though studies have investigated effects of blended learning on education costs and student performance, not much is known about how students experience a blended learning course. The current study provides insights into student experiences in a blended learning course in which all materials were available online, and a minimum number of face-to-face meetings was organized. Three students of the course participated in an in-depth interview, and all fourteen students of the course provided answers to questions during four face-to-face tutorials. Findings indicate similarities in their needs, but differences in their perception of the flexibility that was given to them in the course. A possible explanation for the differences in perception of flexibility could be the students’ self-efficacy. Future studies should be designed to investigate which factors contribute to a positive student experience of blended learning.

Author(s):  
Mohammadali Sepehri ◽  
L. Francisco Vargas M. ◽  
Samer Adeeb

Blended learning is an instructional approach where traditional face-to-face instructional time and computer-mediated learning are combined. Higher education institutions are progressively moving towards a blended learning model because of the opportunities that blended learning offers with respect to increasing engaged inquiry in the classroom, the need to use classroom space more efficiently, as well as the need for greater flexibility in scheduling with changing student demographics. The main motivation for implementing a blended learning approach in one of the key engineering undergraduate course in the Civil and Environmental Engineering program at the University of Alberta emerged from a need to improve student engagement and satisfaction.


2011 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nanette P. Napier ◽  
Sonal Dekhane ◽  
Stella Smith

This paper describes the conversion of an introductory computing course to the blended learning model at a small, public liberal arts college. Blended learning significantly reduces face-to-face instruction by incorporating rich, online learning experiences. To assess the impact of blended learning on students, survey data was collected at the midpoint and end of semester, and student performance on the final exam was compared in traditional and blended learning sections. To capture faculty perspectives on teaching blended learning courses, written reflections and discussions from faculty teaching blended learning sections were analyzed. Results indicate that student performance in the traditional and blended learning sections of the course were comparable and that students reported high levels of interaction with their instructor. Faculty teaching the course share insights on transitioning to the blended learning format.


Author(s):  
R J Singh

This article reports on the use of blended learning in higher education. Blended learning has become popular in higher education in recent years. It is a move beyond traditional lecturing to incorporate face-to-face learning with e-learning, thereby creating a blend of learning experiences. The problem is that learning in higher education is complex and learning situations differ across contexts. Whilst there is face-to-face contact at some institutions, others offer distance learning or correspondence learning. In each context, the mode of learning may differ. The challenge is to cater for various learning opportunities through a series of learning interactions and to incorporate a blended approach. The aim of this study was to examine various ways of defining blended learning in different contexts. This was done through an examination of experiences of the use of blended learning in different higher education contexts. The study presents a case of blended learning in a postgraduate course. The experiences from all these cases are summarised and conclusions and recommendations are made in the context of blended learning in higher education in South Africa.


2018 ◽  
pp. 340-357
Author(s):  
Carmen E. Macharaschwili ◽  
Linda Skidmore Coggin

Universities are challenged with providing quality educational experiences that meet students' needs for engagement and collaboration. The availability of computer-mediated communication tools provides opportunities for such needs to be met as well as allows students the opportunity to complete higher education degree requirements in virtual environments This chapter discusses how Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) was used in a unique Skype-Buddy system to provide virtual face-to-face participation in traditional doctoral classrooms. Students' and professors' satisfaction, benefits, challenges, and surprises in this system are examined. Results and recommendations from this study are applicable in undergraduate and secondary level classrooms.


Author(s):  
Carmen E. Macharaschwili ◽  
Linda Skidmore Coggin

Universities are challenged with providing quality educational experiences that meet students’ needs for engagement and collaboration. The availability of computer-mediated communication tools provides opportunities for such needs to be met as well as allows students the opportunity to complete higher education degree requirements in virtual environments This chapter discusses how Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) was used in a unique Skype-Buddy system to provide virtual face-to-face participation in traditional doctoral classrooms. Students’ and professors’ satisfaction, benefits, challenges, and surprises in this system are examined. Results and recommendations from this study are applicable in undergraduate and secondary level classrooms.


Author(s):  
Kamini Jaipal-Jamani ◽  
Candace Figg

Digital game-based learning (DGBL) has been identified as an effective digital teaching strategy to foster 21st century learning. The inclusion of digital game-based learning in instruction is challenging for educators to structure in higher education learning environments, often because of the lack of coherence with curriculum. Gamification is a recent DGBL strategy that enables the instructor to incorporate the motivational and engagement elements of games in ways that can be adapted to curriculum requirements. Gamification, supported with digital technologies such as web-based tools and learning management systems, offers the instructor the benefits of both face-to-face traditional instruction and online learning. An example of how blended learning in higher education incorporates gamification is presented. Study findings indicate that the blended gamified learning environment motivated learners and promoted cognitive, skill, and attitude development.


2018 ◽  
pp. 912-934
Author(s):  
Vicki Caravias

This paper presents a critical review and synthesis of research literature in higher education exploring teachers' conceptions of blended learning and their approaches to both design and teaching. Definitions of blended learning and conceptual frameworks are considered first. Attention is given to Picciano's Blending with Purpose Multimodal framework. This paper builds upon previous research on blended learning and conceptual framework by Picciano by exploring how objectives from Picciano's framework affect teachers' approaches to both design and teaching in face-to-face and online settings. Research results suggest that teachers use multiple approaches including face-to-face methods and online technologies that address the learning needs of a variety of students from different generations, personality types and learning styles.


Author(s):  
Sophia Palahicky ◽  
Donna DesBiens ◽  
Ken Jeffery ◽  
Keith Stuart Webster

Pedagogical values directly affect student performance and, therefore, are essential to successful teaching practice. It is absolutely critical that post-secondary educators examine and reflect on their pedagogical values because these principles pave the path for student success. This chapter describes four pedagogical values that are critical to student success within the context of online and blended learning environments in higher education: 1) value of care; 2) value of diversity; 3) value of community; and 4) value of justice.


Author(s):  
Sophia Palahicky ◽  
Donna DesBiens ◽  
Ken Jeffery ◽  
Keith Stuart Webster

Pedagogical values directly affect student performance and, therefore, are essential to successful teaching practice. It is absolutely critical that post-secondary educators examine and reflect on their pedagogical values because these principles pave the path for student success. This chapter describes four pedagogical values that are critical to student success within the context of online and blended learning environments in higher education: 1) value of care; 2) value of diversity; 3) value of community; and 4) value of justice.


2011 ◽  
pp. 1334-1338
Author(s):  
Carl A. Raschke

While critics of the new computer-mediated learning styles utter jeremiads about the impending apocalypse of higher education in general, technophiles argue that the changes are all salutary. In fact, some see no difference between faculty cultures and online and traditional schools (Johnstone, 2001). In the same vein, the proliferation of digital classrooms across the instructional spectrum and online learning have touched off a firestorm of controversy concerning the “effectiveness” of new computer-mediated pedagogies versus traditional face-to-face, or “presential,” instruction. Various studies have been conducted and the findings circulated (Smith, Smith, & Boone, 2000).


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