Learning Perceptions of Traditional, Blended, and Flexible, Interactive, Technological (“FIT”) e-Learning Courses

Abstract

AbstractThe tremendous growth of knowledge in health sciences generates the continuous addition of new information to curricular courses. To cope with this, educators have developed various strategies to support the student in the learning process. Traditional education in the classroom (face-to-face classes) has a significant advantage because of the teacher’s closeness. However, technology has facilitated distance education courses that enable students to interact with teachers and classmates from different locations. This study compared the students’ perception of online classes and their learning gain in the School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Tecnologico de Monterrey. Different groups of students were taught traditionally or online. The online classes were imparted through two instructional techniques: the e-learning “FIT” (Flexible Interactive Technology) courses and the hybrid or blended courses where traditional and FIT e-learning teaching techniques were used. The perception of online courses was assessed along with the learning gain. The results showed that students prefer the blended to the traditional and FIT e-learning courses because they offer the advantages of face-to-face interactions and the possibility of accessing recorded classes at flexible times. Also, the best learning gain occurred in the blended courses. The primary problem of online courses was a poor internet connection, regardless of whether the course was blended or FIT e-learning. In conclusion, blended courses seem a good strategy for learning.KeywordsBlended learningOnlineLearning gainHealth sciencese-Learning educational innovationHigher education