Investigating the Usefulness of Blended Learning: A Case of UiTM Negeri Sembilan

Abstract

Blended Learning (BL) has been implemented in many universities to provide various learning experiences to fulfill the needs of the new generation of students who live in the borderless world. Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) also encourages lecturers in applying BL as one of the delivery methods in teaching and learning processes using its official Learning Management System (LMS) called i-Learn which it was launched in December 2005. Although the BL mode offers various advantages to lecturers, negative perceptions on the usefulness of BL may affect its implementation. Hence, this paper investigated the lecturer’s perception on the usefulness of BL. An online questionnaire was distributed to the lecturers of UiTM Negeri Sembilan from various faculties via their staff email. 84 lecturers responded to the questionnaire, and the data then were analyzed using descriptive data analysis. Based on the findings from the analyzed data, the results indicated that the lecturers agreed BL gave benefits such as flexibility, reducing the problem of insufficient classrooms and lecturers, and providing a platform for ideas, experiences, and teaching materials among lecturers and students. However, the results also showed that BL did not reduce lecturers’ time in preparing teaching materials.