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ERIC Number: ED549222
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 141
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: 978-1-2673-6111-0
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
The Blended Learning Experience of Community College Students
Bleffert-Schmidt, Anita
ProQuest LLC, Ph.D. Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University
Blended learning has sometimes been called the "best of both worlds," combining the advantages of face-to-face instruction with the advantages of online learning. It has been in existence for over a decade, and more research needed to be done to determine its efficacy and desirability for community colleges. The goal of this dissertation was to document the ways in which blended learning has changed the community college learning experience. The investigation took place at Ulster County Community College, a small rural college in upstate New York. A mixed method, triangulation design was used. Quantitative data were collected from the college's student database regarding final grades in each of the three delivery modes (face-to-face, blended, and fully online). An analysis of variance looked at difference in achievement among the three modalities. No statistically significant difference was found. Archival end-of-semester student questionnaires were analyzed and it was found that even in the early years of blended learning, students were generally satisfied and appreciated the convenience of the blended modality. Qualitative data were collected through a student focus group and faculty interviews. Student priorities were teacher presence, faculty skill at teaching blended classes, and the support that was available to them from the faculty and administration. Faculty voiced concerns with transitioning from teaching face-to-face or online to teaching blended. The results suggest that it is not the modality of the course that determines whether or not a student is successful; teacher presence, whether online or in person, is a strong indicator of student success and satisfaction. An instructor who is well-versed in the pedagogy of blended learning, a course with skillfully designed and integrated online components, and an administration that provides channels for technical support, combine to provide students with a successful blended learning experience. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]
ProQuest LLC. 789 East Eisenhower Parkway, P.O. Box 1346, Ann Arbor, MI 48106. Tel: 800-521-0600; Web site: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml
Publication Type: Dissertations/Theses - Doctoral Dissertations
Education Level: Two Year Colleges; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: New York
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A