Blended Learning Effectiveness in Post-Pandemic Higher Education: Student Engagement, Achievement, and Learning Satisfaction

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the nature of higher education considerably as it gave impetus to the use of digital and online learning in developed and less-developed countries. With a gradual shift in institutions of higher learning concerning ratifying on-campus learning practises, numerous universities embraced blended learning strategies that incorporate face-to-face teaching with technological learning solutions online. Due to this situation in a post-pandemic world, the assessment of the effectiveness of blended learning has become a necessity to secure the quality education and positive outcomes of the students. This research seeks to investigate the effectiveness of blended learning in higher education in terms of three main areas, which include student engagement and academic achievement as well as learning satisfaction. Quantitative research design was adopted- data were gathered using a structured survey given to the students in the undergraduate level undertaking course work in blended learning in a higher institution of learning. The survey would have gauged the perception of the students as to the extent of their participation in learning activities, their performance and also the satisfaction rates with the blended learning environment. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics in order to identify the relationship between the variables of the study. The results show that blended learning has a positive impact on student engagement through the facilitation of interactive learning experience and access to the course material with flexibility. As well, the findings indicate that the students who are engaged in the blended learning environments exhibit better performance in academics than those who engage in traditional learning environments. There were also positive indications by students of a high level of learning satisfaction, attributed to the integration of both online resources and collaborative activities and direct face to face interaction with instructors. The authors conclude that blended learning is a compelling method of instructional delivery in the future of the higher education that operates after the pandemic since it promotes student engagement, better learning results, and overall satisfaction. The results can be useful to teachers and learners who want to design an adaptable technological learning environment that allows them to teach and learn in the changing educational environment.