Journal of Blended Online Learning

The use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) is growing in Distance Education Institutions (DEI). ICT has contributed to effective learning for rural/urban, male/female, ethnic, and remote student groups. In Pakistan, tertiary education is generally restricted to those who can afford it in urban areas. In addition, recent accessibility studies in Pakistan have identified that most students do have access to a range of ICT devices, but with limited Internet access due to problems related to the national ICT infrastructure. An ICT equipped DEI can, however, deliver tertiary education with high levels of interaction to females and underprivileged ethnic groups living in rural and remote areas. Therefore, DEIs need to uncover suitable education delivery models. Blended learning models with multiple access methods for content development and presentation, teacher student interaction, and e-assessment are needed. Blended e-learning is relatively cost effective, and can provide quality education to distant students.Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) initiated e-learning in Pakistan about a decade ago, and the program has been continuously evaluated. Owing to its success and cost effectiveness, AIOU planned a major organizational change to incorporate ICT-based blended learning. In the present paper, these ICT-based access models for blended learning are described with multiple accessibility options to provide content delivery over TV, radio, Internet, and video conference-based communications. Progress to date is also highlighted.

• http://www.rcetj.org/index.php/rcetj/article/view/7

The purpose of this article is to propose a blending with purpose multimodal conceptual model for designing and developing blended learning courses and programs. A blended learning model is presented that suggests that instruction be designed to meet the needs of a variety of learners. Specifically, Blending with Purpose: The Multimodal Model recognizes that because learners represent different generations, different personality types, and different learning styles, teachers and instructional designers should seek to use multiple approaches including face-to-face methods and online technologies that address the learning needs of a wide spectrum of students. A major benefit of multiple modalities is that they allow students to experience learning in ways in which they are most comfortable while challenging them to experience and learn in other ways as well. Critical to this model is the concept that academic program and course goals and objectives drive the pedagogical approaches and technologies used. Issues related to definitions of blended learning, how teachers and students use technology, generational characteristics among student populations, personality types, and learning styles are examined. This article is based on presentations made at workshops sponsored by the University of Illinois – Chicago and the Sloan Consortium in 2008.

• http://www.rcetj.org/index.php/rcetj/article/view/11