Does Blended Learning Enhance Student Engagement? Evidence from Higher Education

Technology advancements in the present era have tremendous impact on teaching and learning as well. The present research aims to answer the research question; whether use of technology would help and support autonomous learning and also enhance student engagement? To assess this, blended learning approach was applied in a business course. “Blended learning” refers to combining face-toface learning with online learning experience. 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 has been reported in the paper. In addition, it also draws student’s perspective on blended learning approach. LMS (Learning Management System), the eLearning platform, was extensively used for flipped classroom and other activities which were applied in Organizational Behavior course throughout one semester (16 weeks). Multiple sources were used for data collected; focus-group interviews; student surveys and LMS records. For comparison purpose, the course learning outcome achievement data were 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 with online activities as well as in class activities. This was depicted in their online 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. The evidence is found for the positive outcomes of blended learning approach; leads to higher student achievement and improves 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.