Blended Learning Model: Development and Implementation in a Computer Skills Course

Abstract

South Africa’s higher education policies have opened up access to university for students from diverse backgrounds, with different learning styles, levels of motivation and levels of preparedness. This has necessitated a move from the lecture style of teaching to innovative teaching styles that engage the learners and equip them with skills to apply their knowledge to new situations and develop life-long learning skills. Blended learning, which is a combination of face-to-face and online teaching, is used to address some of the issues outlined above. Development of this model is based on Gilly Salmon’s five-stage model for online learning (Salmon 2002), as well as active and collaborative activities that engage the students in a face-to-face environment. As the development of the blended learning model is still ongoing, the model is then evaluated, with recommendations and challenges outlined.