The Students’ Perceptions on Blended Learning: A Q Method Analysis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to reveal the students' perceptions on blended learning through the Q method.The originality of the research stems from determining whether the students have a general tendency towards the blended learning process and evaluating the whole process through identifying its prominent components.The research data was compiled through the Q-Sort and the judgemental statements created by the researchers from 31 students attending the 3rd and 4th classes of the Faculty of Education during the 2016-2017 academic year. The data analysis ascertained that the students were in affirmative consensus on blended learning and the prominent components of the process were listed as teaching staff, face-to-face classes, student roles and the features of online course materials. The findings obtained were discussed within the frame of the relevant literature and the suggestions were made on blended course design.

Perceptions of Syrian Student Refugees towards Blended Learning: Implications for Higher Education Institutions

“…Blended learning approach is an innovative approach to learning that combines the strengths of e-learning with some of the positive aspects of the traditional ways of teaching at the university level, such as face-to-face interaction; in other words, blended learning integrates traditional lecturing with virtual learning together in a blended way [6]. [7] stated that blended learning has several names, such as, mixed mode instruction, and hybrid learning. It was employed for the first time in 1999 during the introduction of the foundation called interactive learning center.…”

“…It was employed for the first time in 1999 during the introduction of the foundation called interactive learning center. In turn, [8] classified the years from 1999 to 2002 as the first attempt time of blended learning, and the years between 2003 to 2006 as its definition period and the years between 2007 to 2009 as the time of its reputation.…”

“…Blended learning is one of the recent approaches that is recommended by many researchers [24] because it has several benefits for students. For example, [7], [9] clarified that most efforts focused on encouraging students to use blended learning, especially in higher education, as it meets the students' needs, such as satisfaction of learning, enhancing convenience and learning chances, offering effective learning experiences that focus on students and tutors with each other communicating and collaborating, facilitating students' access to resources, and giving students feedback online and face-to-face. These strengths made policy makers and decision makers, and researchers to think of blended learning and its potential as a prominent model of learning now and in the future.…”

“…Their perceptions were not investigated in spite of the international calls for providing refugees students with blended learning as it provides them the quality of learning without staying at university for a long time, and is one of the essential requirements of traditional higher education according to international agencies like UNESCO and UNHCR Some studies at the international level examined the students' perception of blended learning, for example, [7], [12], [17], [18]. They found that students who experienced blended learning had positive perceptions of blended learning, and they were satisfied with the convenience, ease of use of online services, flexibility of learning, 48 http://www.i-jet.org and smart lectures.…”

Blended Learning Innovation Model among College Students Based on Internet

“…At school, the blended learning model is produced in such an environment, which has changed the learning style and thinking of college students, especially by providing many excellent education resources to higher education, broking the time and spatial restrictions in education and providing opportunities of fair education to more students [5][6]. More and more educators pay attention to the development and function of the blended learning model and it has become the most popular education concept currently [7].…”