Abstract:

The exploratory study reports the benefits, limitations and challenges, and blend mix of blended learning from the perspectives of students and lecturers for one of the part-time Australian MBAs currently conducted based on traditional classroom teaching at a private education institution in Singapore. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 10 existing MBA students and 10 lecturers teaching this MBA programme. In line with prior studies, while students recognise blended learning provides them with greater flexibility and improving their learning outcome and performance, they noted that discipline and commitment to online learning, reduced interaction, and resistance to changes were the three major weaknesses and challenges faced. Lecturers also felt that though blended learning increased flexibility through designing the course curriculum to suit students with diverse learning style and pace, they noted that the resistance in learning new technology and heavy work load remain as two key challenges in introducing blended learning. Majority of the students preferred online learning to be introduced gradually over time. The findings in this study provide useful insights to the university and institution in assessing the readiness of students and lecturers for blended learning, and taking appropriate measures for successful implementation of blended learning.

Keywords:

Blended learning, MBA, private education institution, benefits and challenges.