A Blended Learning Experience

Abstract Blended (hybrid) learning is one of the approaches that is utilized to help students for meaningful learning via information and communication technologies in educational settings. In this study, Computer II Course which is taught in faculties of education was planned and implemented in the form of a blended learning environment. The data were collected from freshman students of departments of mathematics and primary school education via a semi-structured survey which included open and closed-ended questions at the end of the implementation. The students were taking the course for the first time, and they were introduced with a blended learning environment for the first time with this course. The survey was conducted online and 67 students completed the survey voluntarily, and the data were subjected to content analysis. According to the results, implementing the course especially with electronic activities had positive effects on students from a learning and evaluation perspective. Students stated that the blended learning environment supported their active participation to the course activities and indicated that following the content of the course, homework and projects online was interesting and useful. Key Words Blended Learning, Hybrid Learning, Technology-supported Learning, Learning Management System. Existing information and communication technologies have been affecting and changing almost all fields. Developing technology offers many alternatives related with educational environments, methods and tools. There have been many researches, especially, on the issues of information access in higher education institutes, e-mail communication systems, forming virtual learning environments, the use and the dissemination of educational technologies parallel to the needs of students and institutions (Deepwell & Malik, 2008). However, unifying technology with various learning/teaching environments effectively is a sophisticated problem which is hard to solve (Fitzer et al., 2007). In this framework, research on designing technologically equipped learning environments; with the aim of providing effective and fruitful learning have been concentrating on Blended Learning. Generally blended learning is the use of diverse information transfer methods together and in some occasions within a learning methodology (Sloman, 2003). Disability in removal of the deficiencies experienced in teaching environments designed completely in the form of e-learning and, especially, the fact that such environments restrict communication and interaction has increased demand for face to face learning thus caused blended learning to get considerable attention in the field (Fook, Kong, Lan, Atan, & Idrus, 2005). The notions of "blending" and mixing" of learning are interpreted differently by researchers according to aims of application (Mortera-Gutierrez, 2006). The proportion of face to face and online learning technologies in the use of blended learning might be different (Osguthorpe & Graham, 2003; Singh, 2003). Blended learning is not restricted with the use of some strategies (discussion forums, mail, content presentation,.. etc.) only in online learning as a tool for supporting face to face learning (Usta, 2007). T.herefore, blended learning, which should be considered as a teaching design approach, is a process that should be planned strategically to be applied in a teaching institution, a teaching program or in a course (Mortera-Gutierrez, 2006; Oblinger, 2006; Sharpe, Benfield, Roberts, & Francis, 2006). It is found that face to face and blended learning are not different in terms of attitude and success in a few research where the effect of various application formats of blended learning on student satisfaction, success, etc. are examined (Delialioglu & Yildirim, 2007; Pereira et al., 2007). Students who attended blended learning applications were reported to have positive attitudes towards e-learning rather than face to face learning and have higher grades in examinations (el-Deghaidy & Nouby, 2008). …