Abstract:

Advances in the digital technology have a tremendous impact on teaching pedagogies in higher education and students learning. The present research was sparked with a question whether use of technology would help and support autonomous learning and also enhance student engagement? For this end, blended learning approach was applied and a course was redesigned to include elements of blended learning. “Blended learning” refers to combining face-to-face learning with online learning experience. The paper reports the detailed findings of a study conducted to assess the impact of blended learning initiative on student’s engagement and overall learning in a business course. In the study, eLearning platform, LMS (Learning Management System) was extensively used for flipped classroom and other activities which were applied in Organizational Behavior course throughout one semester (16 weeks). Data was collected mainly from three sources; focus-group interviews; student surveys and LMS records. For comparison purpose, the course learning outcome achievement data was collected from two sections of this course; first, the test group (Section A) and second the control group (Section B). The results clearly show an increase in students learning in the test group (where blended learning was applied), in terms of learning outcome achievement and overall engagement to online activities as well as in class activities. This was depicted in their on-line quiz results, time spent and quality of contribution on online forums, discussions and glossary. According to student’s perspective (test group), they felt motivated as they had some control over time, place or pace for learning. This study showed how a balanced approach to blended learning can lead to higher student achievement and improve student engagement. Based on the analysis, the study contributes with its fruitful findings to the literature of Blended learning. Strong implications can be drawn for both the Instructor and the Institutions who wish to implement blended learning approach. Consequently, meaningful reforms in the higher education can be future direction for the government.