Learner and Instructional Factors Influencing Learning Outcomes Within a Blended Learning Environment (Report)
By Educational Technology & Society
- Release Date: 2009-10-01
- Genre: Computers
Description
Introduction As a result of the advancement in communication and network technologies, more innovative instructional delivery and learning solutions have emerged in order to provide meaningful learning experiences for learners in academic settings. Blended instruction is one of the various methods being used to deliver meaningful learning experiences. The use of blended instruction is growing rapidly because instructors believe diverse delivery methods may significantly enhance learning outcomes as well as increase student satisfaction from the learning experience. Previous research has indicated learning quantity and quality suffers when learners are solely and completely immersed in technology-based instructional delivery methods. Reasons that help explain this learning decline include a lack of human interaction (Laurillard, 1993), acute learning curves in adjusting to the new technology tools, delayed feedback, procrastination in learning (Lim, 2002), and lower motivation to read online learning materials (Lim & Kim, 2003). In order to eliminate the deleterious effects associated with the sole use of technology-based learning methods, many colleges and universities have adopted various forms of blended instruction to more effectively deliver instructional content to students and promote their learning.
