The Effect of Blended Learning Model to Improve the Conceptual Understanding of Computer and Network Engineering Students

Abstract

Grounded by students’ lack of conceptual understanding in identifying and comprehending basic concepts of computer network, this quasi-experimental study aims to identify the effect of applying blended learning model toward the improvement of students’ conceptual understanding. It was designed using non-equivalent control group design in which the experimental group and the control group were differently treated using, respectively, blended learning and conventional learning model. There were 58 students selected as the sample of the research; 30 students in experimental class and 28 students in control class. Essay test was chosen to collect the data of the conceptual understanding of the students in both groups. Using MANOVA, the data analysis revealed the significant effect of applying blended learning model toward students’ conceptual understanding with P = 0.000 < 0.05 of significance level. In conclusion, the result of study identified that 1) the students who taught using blended learning model performed better mastery of basic concepts of computer network with the average score was 74.86, valued in high category; 2) there was a significant difference of conceptual understanding improvement between the group taught by applying blended learning and those by conventional learning model in learning basic computer network.