Abstract:

Blended learning is a combination of conventional lectures with web-facilitated learning. This study aims to investigate the factors that affect students' participation in the web-facilitated component of a blended learning undergraduate course. Two questionnaires were administered: one to determine the learning style of the student and the other was designed to evaluate the perceived usefulness, experience, and the actual participation in the online classroom. The analyses explore (1) potential differences of students' perceptions and (2) potential differences in the participation levels both in relation to learners' attributes. This study surveyed 70 students at the University of the West Indies who were enrolled in a compulsory first year undergraduate course. The study sought to determine students' responses to the online learning environment and to investigate its ability to successfully cater for the diverse learning styles and expectations of the students. Implications for the design of learning activities based on the student learning style are also discussed.

Keywords:

Blended Learning, VARK, Learning Styles, e-learning.