Choice between blended learning and online learning: a distance learning perspective
Abstract: Most higher education institutions are introducing online learning (OL) courses and learning programmes. OL has received much attention and is gaining momentum mainly through MOOCs. In the face of this growing trend of OL there is a substantial number of institutions migrating to Blended Learning (BL). BL is traditionally seen as an approach to learning that uses a mixture of modes of delivery as opposed to using one mode of delivery as in OL. Why would institutions prefer BL rather than OL when the latter is the preferred option for many higher education institutions? This paper seeks to explore contextual factors impacting on the choice institutions of higher learning are making between BL and OL, with particular reference to the ODL model adopted by the University of South Africa (Unisa).
Presider: Michelle Bartlett, North Carolina State University