Gender-Wise Perception of Students Towards Blended Learning in Higher Education: Pakistan

(Saira Soomro , Arjumand Bano Soomro , Tarique Bhatti and Yonis Gulzar)

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Abstract

Blended learning (BL) is a recent trend among many options that can best fit learners’ needs, regardless of time and place. This study aimed to discover students’ perceptions of BL and the challenges faced by them while using technology. This quantitative study used data gathered from 300 students enrolled in four public universities in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The findings show that students were comfortable with the use of technology, and it has a positive effect on their academic experience. The study also showed that the use of technology encourages peer collaboration. The challenges found include: neither teacher support nor a training programme was provided to the students for the courses which needed to shift from a traditional face to face paradigm to a blended format, a lack of specialised skills in laboratory assistants for the courses with a blended format and a shortage of hi-tech computer laboratories/computer units to run these courses. Therefore, it is recommended that authorities must develop and incorporate a comprehensive mechanism for the effective implementation of BL in the teaching-learning process. Heads of departments should also provide additional computing infrastructure to their departments.

KEYWORDS
Teacher educator, prospective teacher, teacher-learner, ICT, e-learning, educational technology  

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References

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