Return to University Classrooms With Blended Learning: A Possible Post-pandemic COVID-19 Scenario

Abstract

After more than 2 years of the pandemic caused by COVID-19, a gradual return to face-to-face teaching has been taking place. Therefore, administrators need to establish procedures to facilitate and ensure the quality of teaching during this process. The purpose of this article is to describe the strengths and challenges of implementing Blended Learning (BL). The design used is consistent with a secondary investigation of a narrative review. As a result, several recommendations are presented for building institutional frameworks that enable the implementation of high-quality BL models in the context of a gradual return to face-to-face courses in higher education. From a theoretical and contextual perspective, considerations for transitioning to this model are discussed, based on lessons learned from emergency remote education. We conclude that the present post-pandemic scenario constitutes a pivotal moment for determining the way education is delivered in higher education.

Studying and Learning Psychology During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Approach on Students’ Perspectives of Psychological Well-being and Adjustment to Studying Online

“…As the combination of face-to-face teaching with technology is greatly being recognized as an educational method that can increase the learning potential of students ( Megahed & Ghoneim, 2022 ) the current findings support other research which suggests that HEIs should build institutional frameworks that enable the high quality of Blended learning models ( Cobo-Rendon et al, 2022 ).…”

Blended Learning and Flipped Classroom in Higher Engineering Education: Case Study and Students’ Perception in the Post-COVID-19 Period

“…Moreover, papers [60,61] discuss possible scenarios for changes and implementation of classes at universities in the BL formula. The authors draw attention to the complementary and expanding possibilities of the role of BL and FC methods.…”

A Systematic Review on the Effects of Blended Learning in EFL Higher Education Contexts

“…BL's popularity is growing because of its distinctive capacity to overcome the constraints of conventional classroom instruction and fully online learning settings. This trend is particularly pronounced in higher education in the postpandemic era (Cobo-Rendón et al, 2022). The higher education sector is now experiencing a significant transformation, driven by the advancement of technology and changing expectations of learners.…”