Instructor Experiences with Implementing Technology in Blended Learning Courses in Higher education : Instructor Experiences with Implementing Technology in Blended Learning Courses in Higher education Blended Learning in Higher Education 1 Dr. Nellie DeutschUniversity of Phoenix
Study Results/Emergent Themes : Study Results/Emergent Themes The analysis of the transcripts of the responses to the interview questions yielded 35 invariant constituents (see Appendix H).
Four themes emerged from the 35 invariant constituents for describing the participants’ experiences with implementing technology in blended learning courses:
Facilitating Instruction and Learning (11 invariant constituents)
Frustrating (7 invariant constituents)
Satisfying and Rewarding (12 invariant constituents)
Socially Connecting (5 invariant constituents) 2
Study Results and Emergent Themes (Continued) : Study Results and Emergent Themes (Continued) Theme 1: Facilitating Instruction and Learning
All the respondents were enthusiastic about technology and perceived technology as facilitating instruction and learning and providing opportunities to learn.
Eighty-five percent of the respondents reported that blended learning and technology engage learners, but only seventy-five percent of the respondents were enthusiastic about blended learning.
The conclusion gained from the findings is that instructors are more enthusiastic about technology as a tool that facilitates learning than blended learning
Study Results and Emergent Themes (Continued) : Study Results and Emergent Themes (Continued) 4 Theme 1: Facilitating Instruction and Learning
Study Results and Emergent Themes (continued) : Study Results and Emergent Themes (continued) Theme 2: Frustrating
The second theme dealt with negative attitudes to technology and blended learning.
Low responses to technology as frustrating (60%) indicated a positive attitude to technology in blended learning courses.
90% of the respondents reported that technology and teaching blended learning courses were time consuming
95% of the universities provided none or inappropriate support raised questions about the instructors’ need for support in blended learning courses. 5
Study Results and Emergent Themes (continued) : Study Results and Emergent Themes (continued) Theme 2: Frustrating 6
Study Results and Emergent Themes (continued) : Study Results and Emergent Themes (continued) Theme 3: Satisfying and Rewarding
All the respondents reported that technology was satisfying and rewarding.
The respondents perceived technology as part of life and felt comfortable with technology (90%).
Blended learning received less favorable responses70% (14) reported that blended learning increased student satisfaction and achievement.
Forty-five percent of the respondents stated that blended learning was transformational and provided the best of both worlds, the face-to-face and online environments. 7
Study Results and Emergent Themes (continued) : Study Results and Emergent Themes (continued) Theme 3: Satisfying and Rewarding 8
Study Results and Emergent Themes (continued) : Study Results and Emergent Themes (continued) Theme 4: Socially Connecting
All the respondents perceived technology as enhancing social interactions and providing the opportunity to meet people worldwide.
Eighty-five percent reported that technology helped engage in sharing of information.
The respondents did not perceive blended learning as socially engaging. The reason is beyond the scope of this study. 9
Study Results and Emergent Themes (continued) : Study Results and Emergent Themes (continued) Theme 4: Socially Connecting 10