Innovation and Development in Blended Learning Mode in Higher Learning Institutions: Interactive Experiences from OUT’s Postgraduate Students and Instructors

Abstract

Although blended learning mode of delivery has been found to be an effective and inexpensive way to enhance learning, there is still need to examine how students and tutors perceive it in the presence of the traditional modes. The purpose of the present study was to examine views and perception of both instructors and students on attributes related to processes of BLM implementation and interactions. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire administered to38 postgraduate students and 14 instructors from The Open University of Tanzania. Data were analyzed using descriptive. Crosstabs were used to describe the association between BLM processes and interactions of BLM by both instructors and students. The results revealed that students‟ and instructors‟ views on BLM processes, such as ease of use of the web environment, evaluation, face to face environment etc., are varied significantly with perceived BLM interactions. Unlike the relatively younger students, the older generations were found to value more of the BLM interactions than of the BLM implementation processes. This paper will help to inform learning institutions intending to go BLM of the best and effective processes for the blended learning environment.

Keywords; Blended Learning Mode (BLM), blended learning interactions, BLM implementation processes, Open University of Tanzania