Blend Or Not To Blend? What Faculty Member Think About Blended Learning?

Abstract

In this study, it is aimed to reveal the opinions of the academicians who have experienced the blended method on blended courses. The study was carried out in parallel mixed design converging from mixed research designs. In this study, in which quantitative and qualitative data were used, a mixed questionnaire consisting of likert and open-ended questions was used as a data collection tool. Research data were collected from academics who were determined by convenient sampling method. 58 academicians participated in the survey, and the answers of 6 academicians, who were understood to have no blended course experience, were removed from the data set and the study was continued with 52 academicians. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques were used together in the analysis of the data. Data obtained from Likert type questions were analyzed by using frequency, percentage and average from descriptive statistical techniques, and data obtained from open-ended questions were analyzed by content analysis technique. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the academicians who made up the study group were generally satisfied with the blended courses. Another remarkable finding is that the most common complaint of academics in blended courses is the low participation of students. It is understood that academicians have a positive belief in using the blended method in their lessons in the future. Another important finding is that although the academicians found the blended method better than the face-to-face method, they had an opinion that it reduced the interaction in the classroom. Academics see the most positive aspects of the blended course as the use of technology in the courses and the flexibility of time and space. They see low attendance, lack of communication, infrastructure problems and technological inadequacies as the most negative aspects of blended courses. It is believed that the findings obtained within the scope of the study provide critical information in the context of revealing the deficiencies in this area and keeping it up to date with the existing situation. In addition, it is thought that the findings will shed light on the researchers who plan to work in this field and will contribute to the relevant literature.