Blended learning activities in blended learning environments: Experiences from Mzumbe University, Tanzania
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Date
2018
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Journal ISSN
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Publisher
EdMedia + Innovate Learning 2018 - Amsterdam, Netherlands, J
Abstract
In Tanzania, learning management systems (LMS) and content management systems (CMS) such as Edmodo, Blackboard, Moodle and Canvas are used as platforms for BL (BL) delivery. Such delivery requires a combination of a variety of digital educational technologies and traditional instructional delivery modes in which an assortment of academic activities support and enhance authentic academic learning. In this quasi-review article, we discuss several BL activities in BL environments (BLEs) concerning Mzumbe University LMS's nine years of experience. The paper used non-interactive research inquiry including literature review and quasi-participant observations. Ten BL courses including its actual practical execution both in LMS and traditional face-to-face were observed. Findings reveal that BL activities are conducted at distinct levels of learning and percentages. Further, the findings showed that traditional learning environments dominate e-learning environments with the percentage of utilisation. We observed both online, and offline BL activities based on the nature of the subject contents and the context of activities. For successful
adoption and implementation of BL pedagogy, planning and designing appropriate BL activities need to accommodate five significant aspects: instructors’ professional development, learners’ help desk for e-learning courses, learner’s sociocultural background, institutional support and teacher and learner readiness to engage in authentic academic
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Keywords
Blended learning activities, Mzumbe University, blended learning environments, learning management system (LMS), content management system (CMS), Edmodo, Blackboard, Moodle, Canvas, digital educational technologies, traditional instructional delivery modes
Citation
APA