University Student Perceptions of and Satisfaction with Blended Learning and Online Collaboration
Author(s):
Hui Zhang (presenting / submitting)
Conference:
ECER 2012
Format:
Paper

Session Information

16 SES 12 B, Online and Blended Learning

Parallel Paper Session

Time:
2012-09-21
09:00-10:30
Room:
FCT - Aula 13
Chair:
Chiara Ravagni

Contribution

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are leading to shift teaching and learning methods in education. Collaborative online platforms, video-conferencing, interactive video and the internet in general are all changing the way students learn. Blended learning is a vital part of the teaching and learning process that it is used and will be used in future educational programs. Bonk and Graham (2006) define the term blended learning as a combination of face-to-face instruction with technology mediated instruction. With the aid of collaborative learning, the integration of face-to-face and online learning can be supported (So & Bonk, 2010). In addition, blended learning offers community building among students (Albrecht, 2006). Students can build community in face-to-face class and then they collaborate online, and they can also build and strengthen the community link online (Brown, 2001). Students can discuss about the learning content and clarify issues in online forum. However, student satisfaction with blended learning and online collaborative learning is related to a number of factors, such as their perceived usefulness of blended learning and their individual preferences of teaching and learning methods (Palloff & Pratt, 2005). Interaction with teachers is considered important for the effectiveness of blended learning and online collaborative learning (Zhu et al. 2009). Research indicates that balanced and multi-structured learning components including opportunities for both online and offline interaction are important to deliver effective blended learning (So & Brush, 2008). Online interaction and social presence play a role with regard to student satisfaction with blended learning (Tu & McIsaac, 2002). This research investigates university students’ perceptions of blended learning and their satisfaction with blended learning and online collaboration in a university in Belgium. The research questions are: 1) How do university students perceive blended learning? 2) What factors are related to student satisfaction with blended learning and online collaboration?

Method

The participants in this study were 396 students from a university in Belgium. Among them, 57% were bachelor students and the rest were master or postgraduate students. Next to the full-time students (82%), 18% of the respondents were working students. A majority of the students (79%) were between 18-24 years old. All the participants responded to an online survey “The perceptions of and satisfaction with blended learning and online collaboration”. The online survey was randomly sent to students via the online learning platform of the university. The online learning platform has been widely implemented in the university across different faculties. However, the extent how the online learning platform and blended learning is implemented varies greatly among different faculties and programmes. Next to the online survey, interviews were also conducted with 20 students from different programmes.

Expected Outcomes

The results show that male students were more positive about blended learning than female students (p<.01). This may be related to the findings that the computer skills and frequency of using computer and internet of male students were higher than those of the female students (p<.05). Female students had a higher preference for traditional teaching methods (lectures and being taught in classrooms) compared to male students. Female students also perceived blended learning to be less useful, and their satisfaction with blended learning was lower than male students. Full-time students were more satisfied with blended learning compared to working students. Male and female students seemed to not differ significantly about their perceptions of and satisfaction with online collaborative learning. However, the interview data revealed more details about student views regarding blended learning and online collaboration. Quite a number of students reported that they were not familiar with blended learning approach. A majority of the students said that communication with peer students and teachers via online forum was not sufficient. Based on the interview data, the following factors were identified to be related to student satisfaction with blended learning and online collaboration: time efficiency of online collaboration and online tasks, emotions in the online environment, timeliness of feedback or responses online, support from the teacher, peer interaction both online and offline, and quality of online communication. Students reported that the flexibility of time and location and the possibility of learning from others were big advantages of blended learning and online collaboration. The detailed findings and discussions are reported. The findings of this research can provide educators insights about the views and preferences of students. This can help educators and university teachers to take into consideration of student perspectives when designing online and blended learning.

References

Akkoyunlu, B., & Soylu, M. Y. (2008, January 01). A study of student's perceptions in a blended learning environment based on different learning styles. Educational Technology & Society , pp. 183-193. Albrecht, B. (2006). Enriching student experience through blended learning. Research Bulletin, 12, EDUCAUSE Centre for Applied Research. http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ecar so/erb/ERB0612.pdf Brown, R. E. (2001). The process of community-building in distance learning classes. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 5(2), 18–35. Heinze, A., & Procter, C. (2004). Reflections On The Use Of Blended Learning. Salford: Education Development Unit. Palloff, R. M., & Pratt, K. (2005). Collaborative online learning together in community. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. So, H.-J., & Brush, T. A. (2008). Student perceptions of collaborative learning, social presence and satisfaction in a blended learning environment: Relationships and critical factors. Computers and Education , pp. 318-336. Tu, C., & McIsaac, M. (2002). The relationship of social presence and interaction in online classes. The American Journal of Distance Education, 16(3), 131–150. Zhu, C. & Valcke, M. (2009). Chinese Students' perceptions of a collaborative e-learning environment and factors affecting their performance: implementing a Flemish e-learning course in a Chinese educational context. Asia Pacific Education Review, 10(2), 225-235.

Author Information

Hui Zhang (presenting / submitting)
Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Belgium

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