Blended Mode of Teaching and Learning and Its Implication on Undergraduate Class Attendance

Abstract

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutions (HEIs) adopted the blended mode of teaching and learning as a mitigation measure to ensure continuity in teaching and learning. Blended learning seems to be the new normal in most universities post COVID-19. Regrettably, it was observed that students in the regular mode of study who were predominantly taught through face to face are registering low attendance in online classes. This study aimed to establish the implication of blended mode of learning on online class attendance among fourth-year regular undergraduate students in the Department of Educational Management, Policy, and Curriculum studies at Kenyatta University. The findings showed that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected online class attendance and engagements through the learning management system. Face to face was the preferred mode of learning. Poor internet connectivity, high cost of bundles, and distractions from the home environment were identified as challenges.