Analisis of the implementation of the b-learning modality in undergraduate programs at three chilean universities

Abstract

How are higher educational institutions implementing the blended learning, b-learning modality in their undergraduate degree programs? This inquiry guides the present study and looks to be answered through a content analysis of nine interviews applied to those who oversee this process in three Chilean Universities. For the purpose of this study, the concept of "hybrid systems" (the focus of the European research project, Hy-Sup) (Deschryver & Charlier, 2012) is used instead of b-learning, in order to answer the study's main objective from an anthropocentrist perspective, which focuses on the institution, professors and students, rather than on the technical object. In turn, this conceptual framework allows for the comparison of the results of this study with those obtained by the Hy-Sup research, in the European context. The study's results show that differences between the institutional vision and the actions taken might determine the type of hybrid systems developed. This research aims to contribute to future studies by characterizing and conceptualizing these types of "systems", allowing for an analysis of their impact on student learning, as well as on professors' pedagogical practices.