Student experiences as they journey through blended learning

Authors

  • Gloria Deborah Woods University of Queensland
  • Branda Le University of Queensland
  • Gwendolyn Lawrie University of Queensland
  • Jack Wang University of Queensland

Keywords:

Blended Learning, Student Perceptions, Digital Literacy

Abstract

BACKGROUND Blended learning has become increasingly prevalent in Higher Education (Garrison & Kanuka, 2004). Incoming students are diverse in their prior exposure to technology impacting on their digital literacies, and this diversity may not be accommodated by blended learning environments (Tang & Chaw, 2016). AIMS The aim is to explore whether students’ perceptions of blended learning are related to their digital literacies, and to monitor these transitions over time. DESIGN AND METHODS Students in first-year STEM courses were surveyed to measure their perceived levels of digital literacy. Semi-structured interviews explored the perceptions towards blended learning of 11 participants at both the start and end of the teaching semester. These were transcribed and analyzed inductively to identify emergent themes. RESULTS Students were grouped based on levels of digital literacy from their survey responses, ranging low to high. Student understanding of blended learning was variable, with many unable to define it. Students reported high levels of confidence in their ability to use digital tools, despite a range of prior technology experience and perceived levels of digital literacy. CONCLUSIONS Students exhibited varied perceptions towards blended learning, irrespective of their digital literacy and prior exposure to technology. This diversity in student perspectives and experiences should be addressed in blended instructional design.

Author Biographies

  • Gloria Deborah Woods, University of Queensland
    UQ School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences Honours Student (Biochemistry)
  • Branda Le, University of Queensland
    UQ School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences Honours Student (Biochemistry)
  • Gwendolyn Lawrie, University of Queensland
    School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences Associate Professor
  • Jack Wang, University of Queensland
    School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences Lecturer

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Published

2019-09-26