A Study of Blended Learning in Higher Learning Education: Implementation and Challenges in 21st Century

Abstract

With the advent of the new millennium, the challenge for higher learning education is
to meet the needs of students in the 21st century. Millennials are hailed as the most
technically savvy students of this century, forcing educators to study new teaching
methods that combine technology use. To meet these needs, new teaching approaches
such as blended learning become a viable alternative to traditional teaching approach.
In addition, we as educators urge to explore the new approach to improve our teaching
and learning skills. Nevertheless, adopting a new teaching approach is always a
dispiriting and challenge task in an early-adopted stage with limited resource
circumstances. Even though many educational institutes favour blended learning over
traditional approach, but yet some academicians are still apprehensive about teaching
in blended learning. Hence, a study has been conducted to investigate the various
challenges in the implementation of blended learning in delivering technical modules
in higher learning institutions. A pilot test of blended learning is carry out in this study.
Data are collected from instructors via questionnaire survey. Data collected are
analysed using both descriptive statistics and statistical tests to determine the major
challenges. Thus, based on this premise, it convinced us that these crucial information
can be right guidance and assistance to unlock frontiers for preparing educators in 21st
century in tertiary university.