Instructor Challenges, Recommendations, and Satisfaction With Blended Courses

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session
  In Virtual Poster Session: SIG-Learning Environments Virtual Poster Session

Abstract

We explored nine blended courses across various disciplines that relate to instructor challenges, recommendations, and satisfaction. Blended courses offer a mix of in-person and online attendance options, with an emphasis in our study on courses that allow synchronous attendance of students in both modalities. Course observations, instructor interviews, and surveys showed that technical issues, student engagement, and student interaction were primary challenges. Instructors recommended that prospective blended instructors seek external support, particularly for developing technological competence, and maintain an open-minded approach to blended courses. Instructor satisfaction was related to technological proficiency, perceived student learning benefits, class size, and teaching assistants. Findings have implications for best practices in technology, course design, and instructor support mechanisms to promote effective learning.

Authors

• Cui Cheng, Michigan State University
  Presenting Author

• Caitlin Kirby, Michigan State University
  Presenting Author

• Jun Fu, Michigan State University
  Presenting Author