2017/04/21 by Qiyun Wang, Changqin Huang
Psychology · Social Sciences · #Educational Environments and Student Outcomes #Innovative Teaching and Learning Methods #Online and Blended Learning
paper · doi:10.1111/bjet.12558
openalex publication_date 2017/04/21 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31
Abstract In this study, a blended synchronous learning environment (BSLE) was designed from pedagogical, social and technical perspectives. It was created for a group of master's students to attend lessons in the classroom and at the same time allow a few of them to join the identical sessions using video conferencing from different sites. The purpose of the study was to describe the guiding principles for pedagogical, social and technical designs and specific strategies applied, and identify the students' learning experiences and perceptions of the environment. Results showed that the BSLE could extend certain features of classroom instruction to the online students and they had equivalent learning experiences. They also liked the flexibility and convenience of attending lessons via video conferencing. This study further found that smooth and clear audio communication, redesign of certain learning activities and the quality of audio were crucial for the BSLE to be useful in practice.