Purpose - Blended learning is rapidly emerging as a domain for practice and research. Across disciplines and contexts, at individual instructor and institution levels, educators are experimenting with the blended learning model of instruction. The current generation of learners have been referred to as ‘digital natives’ in reflection of their apparent ease and familiarity with digital technology. However, questions remain about how ready students are for a blended learning model of instruction. The purpose of the study was to investigate students’ readiness for a blended learning model of instruction in a leading Malaysian higher education institution.
Methodology - The study employed a non-experimental quantitative research design. Data were gathered from a sample of 235 undergraduate and 131 postgraduate students using the Blended Learning Readiness Engagement Questionnaire (BLREQ). The data was analysed using the WINSTEPS Rasch model measurement software to determine the validity and reliability of the instrument. Differential Item Functioning (DIF) analysis was also used to identify responses based on students’ demographic profiles.
Findings - Findings identified that students were ready for blended learning. Further analysis indicated that there were differences in students’ readiness for blended learning based on gender, age, ethnicity, field of study, and level of education.
Significance - This study provides insights on students’ readiness towards blended learning, particularly in the Malaysian context, discusses implications for blended learning practices in higher education institutions, and offers recommendations for future research.
PurposeUniversities have shifted from face-to-face learning environments to e-learning in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the sudden change to online teaching has raised concerns among lecturers about students' readiness for e-learning. This study investigates students' readiness for e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and specifically assesses any significant differences between students' gender, age, ethnicity, level of education, field of study and their readiness for an e-learning environment.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a non-experimental quantitative research design. Data were gathered from a sample of 298 undergraduate and 101 postgraduate students. WINSTEPS Rasch model measurement software was used to determine the reliability and validity of the research instrument. Descriptive, inferential statistics and differential item functioning (DIF) test were used to assess students' readiness for an e-learning mode of instruction with the latter specifically analysing students' demographic factors and their readiness for an e-learning environment.FindingsFindings identified that most students are ready for an e-learning mode of instruction. Further analysis indicated that there were differences in students' readiness for e-learning based on their demographic profiles.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides insights on students' readiness towards e-learning, discusses implications for e-learning practices in higher education institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers recommendations for future research.Originality/valueThis study provides evidences of students' readiness for e-learning in respect to their gender, age, ethnicity, level of education and field of study. This information could help lecturers to reflect on their own teaching practices, adjust their teaching approaches and subsequently, develop appropriate e-learning methods that best suit the student diversity in their classrooms.
PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore educational policy directions in the Maldives to continue learning in public schools during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and identify policy changes that could improve the preparedness of the schools for future pandemics.Design/methodology/approachThis qualitative study is descriptive in nature with an analytical methodology of document and interview data analysis. The purposively selected participants for the interviews included senior officials of the Ministry of Education, school leaders and teachers of public schools in the Maldives.FindingsThis study identified significant policy changes for public schools in the Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic. These were early response and timely policy directions to continue education during the COVID-19 pandemic. Another finding was the effective change communication of the educational policies for its implementation. Following the policy changes, the teachers were trained for online teaching, hence increasing their competency in information and communications technology. As a result, this led to resilient teachers who were determined to provide education through the challenging times of the pandemic. Hence, it is evident that the school system of the Maldives will emerge stronger beyond COVID-19.Originality/valueThe education policy changes for public schools in the Maldives during the global COVID-19 pandemic have merits for education practices beyond the pandemic.
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