Blended Methods to Enhance Learning: An Empirical Study of Factors Affecting Student Participation in the use of e-Tools to Complement F2F Teaching of Algorithms

Abstract

Our research aims to improve the quality of academic studies in Universities. Specifically, we aim at the adaptation of blended learning strategies, use of digital media (computer, internet) and e-learning methods. In this paper we investigate the factors affecting first year students, in using e-learning methods in conventional Higher Education. Nowadays, an interesting research question, which has been raised, is related to the effective use of blended learning techniques complementary to f2f teaching in conventional Higher Education. The scientific contribution of the proposed paper is the presentation of some new results on the students’ perceptions regarding the above question. We believe that our findings constitute a first step towards to this direction. Our empirical study is based on questionnaires and interviews, which include quantitative and qualitative topics. The research took place during the first semester compulsory course “Algorithms with C”, in the department of Applied Informatics, University of Macedonia, Thessaloniki, Greece. The students’ use of e-tools was investigated and the results are thoroughly described. In this research, special concentration was given on learning difficulties in fundamental algorithmic concepts. Moreover, the level of students’ adaptation of web-based and distance education methods, as a complementary tool in face-to-face (f2f) teaching of algorithms, was studied. Particularly, we focus on the factors which affected in discouraging students from the use of multiple web-based tools. Additionally, we investigate the students’ expectations and attitudes, based on their experience, in using synchronous and asynchronous state-of-the-art e-tools such as LMS-CoMPUs, virtual classrooms, webcasts and educational games.