INTEREST AND READINESS TOWARDS BLENDED LEARNING: A COMPARISON BETWEEN STUDENTS AND INSTRUCTORS IN SAUDI ARABIA

Blended learning is seen by many as a solution to improving the learning environment. A survey was conducted with students and instructors at King Abdulaziz University in Saudi Arabia during the 2013/2014 academic year pertaining to interest and readiness towards blended learning which included incorporation of edu-gaming, simulation and social media. This paper outlines the investigation and outcomes of a study on comparison in responses between 182 students and 124 instructors of the English language at the university’s preparatory year program. The main contribution of this study lies in identifying similarities and differences in perception pertaining to interest and readiness towards blended learning. Students and instructors broadly agree on the benefit of learning courses through the use of e-learning resources. They both prefer the use of edu-gaming and simulation in the teaching and learning environment. There are positive outcomes in relation to confidence level and availability of access to online resources.