Blended teaching and learning in the School of Science and Technology of UniSIM
Interactive Technology and Smart Education
ISSN: 1741-5659
Article publication date: 20 November 2009
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the blended learning preferences under which adult students study mathematics, electronics and industry certificate examinations like project management and e‐SAP (systems, applications and products).
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on four case studies in mathematics, electronics and industry certificate examinations like project management and e‐SAP. Case studies are developed based on observations and feedback from students who have undergone different types of blended learning. The four different blended learning models used are: the complete e‐learning self‐study; the instructor‐led programme blended with self‐study e‐learning; the live e‐learning centred with other media added; and the simulation and laboratory‐centred model.
Findings
It is found that unmotivated adult learners may not necessarily like e‐learning courses that are unguided. The e‐learning self‐study model suits the highly motivated students who aim for industry‐based certifications like the project management or the e‐SAP certifications. Using simulation and virtual laboratory sessions does help to reduce the cost of setting up the full‐fledged laboratory and also make it more accessible to the students. In the blended learning model, the instructor and the subject matter expert are the two most important people in programme design and delivery, not the developer or the technologist.
Originality/value
This paper is useful to adult educators and those dealing with an open university type of education where there are less face‐to‐face interactions.
Keywords
Citation
Toon, A.J., Samir, A., Huang Mui Kheng, J., Kin Chew, L., Vythilingam, M. and Low Wee Kiat, S. (2009), "Blended teaching and learning in the School of Science and Technology of UniSIM", Interactive Technology and Smart Education, Vol. 6 No. 4, pp. 234-243. https://doi.org/10.1108/17415650911009209
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2009, Emerald Group Publishing Limited