Blended learning approaches enhance student academic performance

Blended learning, or technology enhanced learning, is increasingly becoming an expectation for higher education students. Blended learning allows for the enhancement of face-to-face interaction between tutors and students, using internet or computer based tools. In this paper, a range of case studies are described which illustrate methods to engage students with technology enhanced learning and improve academic performance and student satisfaction. In the first case study, first year undergraduate students were provided with short video lectures and formative assessment opportunities in addition to face-to-face lectures, and the impact on examination performance was analysed. Results showed that students in multiple cohorts performed significantly better on multiple choice questions that were supported by online blended learning resources. Student usage of the resources was also analysed, and revealed that the majority of students engaged with the online resources after the live teaching event. In the second case study, students were provided with podcasts of lectures with mobile assessments (completed via SMS on mobile telephones) to assess the effect on examination performance and the results showed a significant improvement in academic performance. In the final case study, students have been issued with personal response system handsets to increase interactivity and feedback in teaching sessions. The results of these case studies provide evidence for the use of blended learning approaches to improve students’ academic performance in higher education courses, as well as enhancing student satisfaction.