Blended Learning Format Research Articles

Online Teacher Professional Development: A Research Synthesis on Effectiveness and Evaluation

AbstractThis study presents findings on the effectiveness and perception of teacher professional development in online-only and blended learning (BL) formats. The analysis of a total of 115 studies from the research field of online teacher professional development (OTPD) showed that digitized training predominantly led to positive effects on teachers' competencies and teaching practice. Among some of the other positive impacts of OTPD were improvements in students' learning performance, attitudes and motivations, and teachers' self-efficacy; though these aspects were considered much less frequently overall. Despite individual criticisms and suggestions for improvement, OTPD courses were endorsed by teachers. In terms of the take-up amongst participants, online-only and BL formats scored similarly, with the inclusion of synchronous phases, collaborative activities, and support activities proving to be decisive criteria for evaluation. In context of support activities, the involvement of an instructor was found to be effective, although it became clear that it is not only the presence of an instructor that matters, but also the way in which he is involved in the OTPD activity (Lantz-Andersson et al. Teach Teach Educ 75:302-315, 2018 ). A basic open attitude towards OTPD was also held by the training staff, even when complications and difficulties were pointed out.

Генезис проблемы формирования цифровой коммуникативной компетенции в смешанном формате обучения в период с 1950 по 1990 год

Introduction. Digital transformation of science and higher education is a strategic direction of the state policy in the Russian Federation that contributes to qualitative changes in every area of life, including the field of science and education, supporting the idea of continuous professional development. The goal of digital transformation is to achieve a high level of digital fluency in educational establishments of higher education. Digital transformation is aimed at solving different problems, namely increasing the level of digital competence of specialists and students of educational organizations, especially when working in a new learning format. Therefore, we suggest considering the genesis of the problem of formation of digital communicative competence in a blended learning format. Theoretical analysis. This competence, implemented in a blended learning format, is highly-demanded in the digital reality. The article features the periodization of the genesis of the problem of digital communicative competence formation in a blended learning format. The main trends of the second phase of its formation are identified. The scientific, theoretical, historical and socio-cultural prerequisites of its development are determined. Conclusion. Digital competence improves the quality of education and promotes digital innovations in educational environment, maximizing the potential of modern technologies.

Education in focus: Significant improvements in student learning and satisfaction with ophthalmology teaching delivered using a blended learning approach.

This study aimed to measure student satisfaction with a revised ophthalmology delivery format, which due to the pandemic had previously relied on a remote online flipped classroom (OFC) format compared to a blended learning format. This educational strategy combined online learning with in-person seminars and practical patient centred sessions. Our previous investigations demonstrated a significant lack of student satisfaction with a curriculum solely reliant on a remote OFC, as such we hypothesised that a blended learning approach would result in improved levels of student satisfaction and knowledge gain. Non-randomised intervention study of two groups; group 1 = OFC group and group 2 = BL group, compared perspectives of 4th year ophthalmology students using a validated course evaluation questionnaire (CEQ). A total of 59 students from the BL group (n = 257; response rate = 23.0%) and 28 from the OFC group agreed to participate in the study (n = 114; response rate = 24.6%). Participants in the BL group felt it was easier to determine the standard of work that was expected (77.42% v 60.71%) and demonstrated significantly increased satisfaction with staff motivation of students (95.16% v 64.29%, p <0.001) and provision of feedback (74.19% v 46.43%, p = 0.004), compared to the OFC group. Furthermore, students in the BL group also felt the course significantly improved their analytical skills (64.52% v 42.85%, p = 0.023) and ability to work as part of team (69.36% v 25%, p <0.001) as well as reporting reduced dissatisfaction with the level of choice afforded in terms of how they would learn (33.88% v 60.71%, p = 0.31) and the how they were assessed (59.68% v 89.28%, p = 0.004). No evidence of a statistical difference in exam score was observed. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an unavoidable pivot to online and distance learning, to meet the challenges presented by government mandates and social distancing requirements. Since many of these directives have been reversed, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness and learner perceptions' of the online and distance learning interventions. In this study we demonstrated a significant student preference for BL compared to the OFC approach, with comparable student performances determined by MCQ examinations. Our findings suggest a preference for reintroducing in-person and patient engagement activities in post-pandemic health professions education.

Incorporating face-to-face and online learning features to propose blended learning framework for Post-COVID classrooms in India

PurposeThis study examines learner readiness and satisfaction with blended learning systems in India’s post-vaccine classrooms, focusing on the relationship between face-to-face (F2F), online learning (OL), and blended learning (BL) indicators and identifying which predictors within these systems most significantly affect learners’ satisfaction (LS).Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted with 451 students from both public and private universities in India. The data were analyzed using factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, followed by multiple regression to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe findings reveal a significant positive correlation between learners’ satisfaction and online learning and blended learning, with β values of 28.3 and 27.2, bearing a p-value of 0.000. In contrast, face-to-face (F2F) learning was insignificant, with a β value of 0.070 and a p-value of 0.119. These insights underscore the effectiveness of online and blended learning formats in enhancing learner satisfaction in higher education while also suggesting a re-evaluation of the role of traditional F2F learning methods. The research supports the integration of online learning in higher education due to its balanced mix of teacher-led and student-centered instruction, alongside the practical benefits of reduced travel costs and access to independent study resources.Practical implicationsThis study provides insights into student perceptions and attitudes towards blended learning in India’s post-vaccine classrooms. It highlights the importance of tailoring blended learning strategies to meet colleges’ and universities’ diverse learning needs and goals in this evolving context. The findings serve as a valuable resource for educators and administrators, aiding in designing effective blended learning frameworks suited explicitly for higher education in India.Originality/valueWhile there is extensive literature on F2F, OL, and BL, limited research compares these learning approaches and their impact on learner satisfaction within the Indian higher education context. This study fills this gap by providing valuable insights for shaping educational strategies in India’s post-vaccine classrooms.

Identifying challenges and best practices for implementing AI additional qualifications in vocational and continuing education: a mixed methods analysis

ABSTRACT As artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly integrates into various industries and educational sectors, there is a growing need for an AI-ready workforce. This study, focusing on a novel AI additional qualification in Germany, investigates the underexplored challenges and best practices regarding the learning software, the learning contents, and the didactic design. Addressing the research question ‘What are the teaching and learning experiences in AI additional qualifications, and to what extent do these experiences align?’, we adopted a mixed methods analysis. This entailed interviews with four educators and self-reported questionnaires with 73 learners, triangulating both groups’ findings for comprehensive insights. Key outcomes from this study demonstrate a significant alignment in teaching and learning experiences, particularly in terms of shared challenges. The findings significantly contribute to AI curriculum development and continuing vocational education and training practice. They underscore the necessity for robust and visually engaging learning software, as well as learning content that primarily covers AI basics with practice-oriented examples. Another best practice emerges for blended learning formats, favouring a greater emphasis on face-to-face instruction complemented by teacher-supported self-directed learning. Future research should focus on balancing theoretical and practical knowledge in AI curricula, preparing teachers for AI content delivery, and optimising teacher-learner interactions.

Assessing the Initial Outcomes of a Blended Learning Course for Teachers Facilitating Astronomy Activities for Young Children

Globally, astronomy education is being promoted through curricula. Research indicates that educators need support to fundamentally comprehend and gain knowledge of astronomy as well as pedagogical expertise to organize and facilitate astronomy-related activities in the classroom. In response to this notable demand, we have designed a coherent training program that addresses both the foundational and pedagogical content knowledge necessary to instruct astronomy subjects at the pre-primary and early school levels. This program is constructed in a blended learning format, which combines online and in-person training with practical implementations in the classroom. We trained both professional and student kindergarten teachers, and we used questionnaires and interviews to evaluate and improve our training program. In this article, we present the results of our initial evaluation. We found that the student teachers showed a more significant improvement in their content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, and instruction preferences compared to the professional teachers. However, we identified several areas for improvement, which will be addressed in future cycles of the program for further evaluation.

A systematic review of shared decision making training programs for general practitioners

BackgroundShared decision making (SDM) has been presented as the preferred approach for decisions where there is more than one acceptable option and has been identified a priority feature of high-quality patient-centered care. Considering the foundation of trust between general practitioners (GPs) and patients and the variety of diseases in primary care, the primary care context can be viewed as roots of SDM. GPs are requesting training programs to improve their SDM skills leading to a more patient-centered care approach. Because of the high number of training programs available, it is important to overview these training interventions specifically for primary care and to explore how these training programs are evaluated.MethodsThis review was reported in accordance with the PRISMA guideline. Eight different databases were used in December 2022 and updated in September 2023. Risk of bias was assessed using ICROMS. Training effectiveness was analyzed using the Kirkpatrick evaluation model and categorized according to training format (online, live or blended learning).ResultsWe identified 29 different SDM training programs for GPs. SDM training has a moderate impact on patient (SMD 0.53 95% CI 0.15–0.90) and observer reported SDM skills (SMD 0.59 95%CI 0.21–0.97). For blended training programs, we found a high impact for quality of life (SMD 1.20 95% CI -0.38-2.78) and patient reported SDM skills (SMD 2.89 95%CI -0.55-6.32).ConclusionSDM training improves patient and observer reported SDM skills in GPs. Blended learning as learning format for SDM appears to show better effects on learning outcomes than online or live learning formats. This suggests that teaching facilities designing SDM training may want to prioritize blended learning formats. More homogeneity in SDM measurement scales and evaluation approaches and direct comparisons of different types of educational formats are needed to develop the most appropriate and effective SDM training format.Trial registrationPROSPERO: A systematic review of shared-decision making training programs in a primary care setting. PROSPERO 2023 CRD42023393385 Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023393385.

Theoretical foundations of blended learning format

Theoretical foundations of blended learning format

Zero waste: leveraging blended learning materials in traditional teaching

In recent years, and especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, several university course units have moved from a traditional format, made of face-to-face lectures supplemented by notes and exercise sheets, to a blended learning format based mainly on asynchronous engagement with recorded lectures, videos, and notes, followed by supplementary synchronous sessions to consolidate and expand on the core material. While during Covid-19 the latter format presented clear advantages, as things slowly go back to normal course leaders are free to choose between the two formats, each of which has its own set of advantages and challenges.In this case study we explore the transition from a blended learning course back to a traditional face-to-face format, focusing on the use of an innovative ‘anthology’ approach to repurpose digital materials. Originally a blended learning course featuring a mix of videos, notes, and quizzes, the course underwent a transformation to adapt to a more conventional format without sacrificing the accumulated digital resources. Through this transition, an anthology of learning materials was created, which serves as supplementary support for student learning, providing a wealth of learning aids, ranging from mandatory activities to entirely optional exercises. Challenges encountered during this transition, specifically avoiding an increase in workload, and the maturity required from students, will be examined. We aim to provide a framework to highlight the potential of effectively reutilising blended learning resources within traditional teaching frameworks, while being mindful of workload issues, to enrich the students' learning experience.

Elective course on machine learning in high school: problems of sports programming

The article discusses the prospect of teaching elements of machine learning in high school. An overview of foreign experience in studying the fundamentals of machine learning at school is presented. A system of tasks is proposed for an elective course on machine learning for high school students in Russian secondary schools. An analysis of five typical tasks of competitive programming, which are the author's development, was carried out, and each task has its own rating, similar to those offered on the well-known resources of the informatics Olympiad movement: CodeForces, LeetCode, AtCoder. The elective is intended for schoolchildren who already have basic knowledge of programming in Python 3, and consists of three modules that are aimed at different levels of proficiency in this programming language. The student has the opportunity to increase or decrease the level of completion of the course. The elective course can be implemented in the Stepik system. Training can be carried out either in distance learning or in the form of blended learning. The program code of tasks is checked automatically. Consideration of theory and analysis of tasks are carried out on the interactive computing platform Jupyter Notebook.

Handling the desire to die– evaluation of an elective course for medical students

BackgroundThe desire to die can occur in palliative care patients with a prevalence of up to 22%. Not every desire to die is accompanied by a pressure to act, but usually by a burden that can arise from various factors. To address this burden appropriately, health care workers should be trained. Based on an evaluated course on handling the desire to die, an elective course for medical students was developed and evaluated. In order to identify the impact of the elective course’s content, a comparison of attitudes towards assisted dying with two other participant groups was conducted. Therefore, three questions from the evaluation of the elective course were used.MethodOnline evaluation of the elective and questions addressing attitude were assessed using a five-point Likert scale. The specific outcome-based assessment was determined using the Comparative Self-Assessment Gain. The main participant group (group 1) were students who took the elective. The additional survey on attitudes towards assisted dying included undergraduate medical students who had taken compulsory palliative care courses (group 2) and physicians who had taken an introductory course in intensive care or emergency medicine (group 3).ResultsGroup 1 (n = 13, response rate rr = 86.7%) was very satisfied with the blended learning format (100%) and the course itself (100%). They were able to deepen their knowledge (81.0%) and train skills (71.2%) through the course. In the additional surveys, there were 37 students in group 2 (rr = 66.1%) and 258 physicians in group 3 (rr = 73.6%). Willingness to assist with or accompany the various options for assisted dying varied according to the type of assistance. Among the participants, it can be summarised that the highest willingness was shown by the students of group 2 followed by the physicians of group 3 and the students of group 1.ConclusionsA course on handling the desire to die of palliative patients can deepen knowledge and train communication skills and thus support self-confidence. Dealing with the background of the desire to die, knowledge about assisted dying, but also one’s own attitudes and responsibilities can influence the attitude towards assisted dying.

ENHANCING FLIPPED LEARNING: A COMPREHENSIVE METHODOLOGY FOR INTERGRATING ASYNCHRONOUS AND SYNCHRONOUS INTERACTION

This article delves into effective flipped learning strategies for the training of future foreign language teachers, with a focus on developing their professionally oriented communicative competence. A methodological approach integrating asynchronous and synchronous interactions is proposed, highlighting the importance of independent learning activities, which are complemented by synchronous support to enhance engagement. This approach, underpinned by scientific literature, suggests that the evolution of asynchronous learning should strengthen the flipped learning methodology. It projects asynchronous -synchronous interaction as a special type of asynchronous mode. In this mode, the independent (asynchronous) component is primary, and the collaborative (synchronous) component is secondary. This structure emphasizes students’ independent learning activities. Synchronous interactions provide additional support in cooperation. The article advocates for a balanced use of both delayed (asynchronous) and quasi-instant (synchronous) communication, the latter being quicker than traditional delayed methods but not as immediate as real-time interactions.The study maintains that integrating and incorporating synchronous aspects into asynchronous learning activities enhances the core essence of flipped learning. It outlines four specific principles for the effective application of asynchronous-synchronous techniques. They are: consistent integration, making the best use of technology tools, feedback loop, combining communication methods. Drawing on previous research and the author’s personal teaching experience at the Faculty of Philology of Educational Technologies, Kyiv National Linguistic University, Ukraine, the impact of these methods on the education of students studying at the second (master’s) level has been examined. Survey results have indicated a significant positive effect (70% to 90%) of blended learning and the flipped learning model on students’ professional growth and overall satisfaction with their education. Additionally, the article presents examples of exercises (preparatory stage of flipped learning) designed to develop English-language professionally oriented speech competence in master’s students, along with online resources for their implementation in a blended learning format.

Technical Courses and Virtual Teaching Learning Practice: A Post Pandemic Study

ABSTRACT The present study is a combination of qualitative and quantitative research in order to determine the impact on virtual teaching and learning methods, particularly in technical courses. The research is an attempt to demonstrate that the tools, practices, methodology, and so on that have been used are ineffective for technical courses because they require practical exposure. The researcher focuses on identifying the students’ preferred aspects of dealing with technical courses and virtual teaching learning practices in the aftermath of the pandemic. The SPSS 20 version software is used to perform a chi-square test to determine the impact of virtual teaching and learning activities on technical courses. Cross-sectional survey design has been conducted to investigate online and offline teaching pedagogy and its effective implementations in technical universities. Total 468 students participated in the survey. The research identifies useful recommendations that, likely in the form of blended learning, strike a balance between in-person and online learning. These recommendations could be taken into consideration by the key stakeholders in order to create a viable educational system for the future.

Development of teachers’ attitudes and self-efficacy expectations for inclusive mathematics instruction: effects of online and blended learning programs

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a quantitative study investigating the development of teachers' attitudes and self-efficacy expectations for inclusive mathematics instruction in the context of an in-service training that was designed in a blended learning format and compared to an unsupported online offer. In the blended learning format, 101 teachers participated in an in-service training, designed as a combination of six workshops with concrete activities based on materials for inclusive mathematics teaching and intermittent practical phases with collaborative learning environments for children aged 6–12 years. The teachers' attitudes toward inclusive mathematics instruction and self-efficacy expectations are collected by using published scales (KIESEL) and scales under development. The effects of the blended learning program are analyzed by the t test for dependent samples or the nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test and compared to the effects of an online offer without further guidance and support. On the one hand, the results indicate the importance of the blended learning program in comparison with the unsupported online offer. On the other hand, they show insights into the relevance of the participants' interaction with the materials during the concrete activities as well as of their try outs in and their reflection on teaching practice during the intermittent practical phases.

Blended learning in nursing pharmacology: elevating cognitive skills, engagement and academic outcomes.

Pharmacological education is crucial for healthcare professionals to safely manage medications and reduce errors. Traditional lecture-based learning (LBL) often struggles to address this complexity, whereas newer methods, such as flipped classrooms and problem-based learning, yield mixed results, particularly in pre-clinical contexts, owing to students' limited experience. Our nursing pharmacology course under LBL recorded a high failure rate of 37.8% and marginal passing scores across five cohorts (n = 849 students). An analysis using Bloom's taxonomy revealed significant gaps in higher-order cognitive skills. As a remedy, the course was transformed into a novel blended learning format that integrated question-based learning (QBL) to enhance critical thinking across all cognitive levels. This model blends asynchronous and synchronous learning, is tailored to individual needs in large classes, and fosters continuous, student-centric learning. The redesign markedly decreased the failure rate by approximately 2.8-fold and increased the average grade by 11.8 points among 426 students. It notably improved the pass rates in advanced cognitive categories, such as "Evaluate" and "Create" by 19.0% and 24.2%, respectively. Additionally, the blended course showed increased student engagement, reflecting a dynamic and effective learning environment that significantly elevated participation and academic outcomes at all cognitive levels. This study demonstrated the profound impact of blended learning in pharmacology. By integrating QBL with various teaching methods, it surpasses traditional lecture-based limitations, enhancing engagement and understanding of complex topics by nursing students. Notable improvements in foundational and advanced learning suggest its broader application in health professionals' education, effectively equipping students for clinical pharmacology challenges.

Factors influencing students’ learning satisfaction and students’ learning outcomes in blended learning

In China, there is a thriving trend of utilizing a unique form of blended learning that combines MOOCs (massive open online courses) and SPOC (Small Private Online Course). However, the evaluation methods used for these blended learning courses have not been adequately developed. The objective and accurate evaluation of blended learning poses a challenge. Therefore, it is imperative to conduct a preliminary study to examine the relationships between various factors, such as the quality of the teaching environment, the quality of teachers' offline teaching, the quality of teachers' online teaching, and their impacts on students' learning satisfaction and learning outcomes in a blended learning setting. This study aims to analyze the factors in blended learning by employing structural equation modeling and interviews with 275 students. The findings of this research contribute to the advancement of student learning evaluation in blended learning by incorporating the evaluation of the teaching environment, the quality of teachers' online teaching, the quality of teachers' offline teaching, student satisfaction, and students' learning outcomes. Furthermore, this study offers a comprehensive analysis of the influence of the teaching environment on the aforementioned factors in blended learning, thereby providing a rationale and robust empirical evidence for the Chinese government's sustained investment in information technology infrastructure in higher education.

Transforming Education: Enhancing Student Performance and Satisfaction through the Flipped Classroom Method

The flipped classroom, a form of blended learning, has gained popularity in higher education due to its potential to improve student engagement and performance. This approach addresses limitations in traditional teaching methods, such as didactic lectures and passive learning methods, by moving content delivery outside class and utilizing in-person sessions for active learning activities. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of the flipped classroom as a teaching-learning strategy and to gather students’ opinions of the idea. A second-year undergraduate nursing class (n = 96) was split into two groups, one of which used the flipped classroom technique and the other the conventional approach in a quasi-experimental design. Questionnaires on a Likert scale were utilized to assess students’ opinions of the flipped classroom, and pre-and post-test results were evaluated. A variety of statistical analyses were used to compare mean scores and evaluate the efficacy of the flipped classroom, including paired and independent t-tests. A quasi-experimental study involving a second-year undergraduate nursing class showed a statistically significant improvement in student performance and a positive perception of the flipped classroom approach with P&lt;0.001. The flipped classroom in nursing education allows students to learn at their own pace through pre-class work, with an instructor as a facilitator. This personalized approach uses technology like online platforms and collaborative tools to deliver lectures and facilitate in-class activities, potentially improving student engagement, critical thinking, and clinical reasoning abilities.

Effects of the International Training Program for Enhancing Intelligent Capabilities through Blended Learning on Computational Thinking, Artificial Intelligence Competencies, and Core Competencies for the Future Society in Graduate Students

Background: The purpose of this study is to find the effects of the international training program for enhancing intelligent capabilities through blended learning on computational thinking, artificial intelligence (AI) competency, and core competencies for the future society in graduated students enrolled in the Smart Information Communication Technology (SMART ICT) course. The teaching model followed the ADDIE framework. Methods: This study is a quasi-experimental study based on nonequivalent control group design. Study subjects were assigned to an experimental (n = 20) or control group (n = 20). The experimental group participated in the international training program in the blended learning form, real-time online classes (60 min per session for a week, six sessions) and face-to-face classes (4–8 h per session for 9 days, six sessions). The variables were measured with a self-report questionnaire and were evaluated before, right after, and in the 12th week of the program. Results: The AI competency of the experimental group was observed to be significantly changed at the points of time (F = 6.76, p = 0.002), and in comparison with that of a different group (F = 9.77, p = 0.003). Conclusions: This study suggests applying an international training program based on blended learning to strengthen intelligence capabilities such as artificial intelligence capabilities.

Flexible education reform and Iceland’s police staffing crisis

Abstract In 2018, Iceland had Europe’s second-fewest police officers per capita and had experienced the continent’s biggest reduction in officers since 2009—after suffering the biggest financial crisis in modern economic history. Fewer officers, a growing, more diverse population, and a tourist boom fuelled a police staffing crisis peaking in the mid-2010s. In this case study, we document, using secondary data and interrupted time-series analysis, how moving basic police education to the university level in 2016 and shifting from face-to-face to flexible learning—a form of blended learning—helped Iceland accommodate more students, reverse the downward trend of police staffing, improve female representation, and raise the education level. Moreover, public trust in the police remained high after reform. The case of Iceland demonstrates that blended learning can facilitate police–university partnerships, accommodate more students by expanding access, capacity, and capability, help address staffing challenges, and optimize resources.

Comparison of Flipped Classroom Versus Traditional Didactic Lectures among Medical Students: A Mixed Method Study

Abstract Background: Didactic lectures are one of the commonly used instructional methods used for curriculum delivery in medical colleges. These lectures have a limited scope for interactions. Flipped classroom constitutes both an instructional approach and a form of blended learning, designed to enhance student engagement and comprehension. This intentional shift to a learner-centric model allocates initial exposure to new subjects beyond traditional classroom settings, thus enabling classroom time to be dedicated to in-depth exploration of topics, fostering significant learning experiences. Hence, a study was conducted to compare the academic scores of students taught in the flipped method versus traditional classroom and to assess the perception of students regarding the flipped classroom. Methodology: One hundred students were divided into two Batches A and B of 50 students each. Topic one was taught, by the flipped classroom method for Batch A and by the traditional method for Batch B. Topic two was taught by flipped classroom for Batch B and Batch A had traditional class. A multiple-choice question test was done for all the batches at the end of the classes. Perception of students regarding flipped classrooms was assessed through a prevalidated questionnaire on a Likert scale. Results: The mean value of the academic scores of the tests conducted was higher after flipped classroom sessions compared to traditional teaching sessions with a significant P &lt; 0.001. Analysis of the open-ended questions revealed that the flipped class had advantages of in terms of better student involvement. Conclusions: Flipped classroom can be an effective student-centered teaching strategy when properly planned and implemented for higher education. In medical colleges, it can be incorporated as one of the teaching–learning methodologies to teach must know topics.