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Makale Özeti:
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Globally, blended learning (BL) technologies have been increasingly applied in a
variety of fields, both public and private sectors. In recent years, universities,
public and private businesses and organizations are among those employing
blended learning methods and technologies in training and re-training of
professionals in the workforce.
In Malaysia, the increasing use of blended learning to enhance learning and
enriching of soft skills among professionals and individuals in the work place is
evident. The advancement of technology is an onset to many new avenues and tool
for learning and teaching, and it is the coalescing of these various technologies with
particular pedagogy or andragogy has helped to popularize BL. However, when an
institution makes the critical choice of delivery methods, it is pertinent that the
university needs to consider various success factors. One in particular is studentcentered
approach that entails the need to understand the students as the
beneficiary of learning, and the support system they need to help them learn. This
qualitative study reports in detail the experience of a small group of students
undertaking Executive Diplomas at Executive Development Centre (EDC), Universiti
Utara Malaysia as they progress through their Executive program. This paper looks
at learning experiences as described by the learners- it is their story, their
experience, and their perspective.
This study suggests that BL offered a comfortable middle ground, and has lots of
potential in higher education in Malaysia. It is a pedagogical alternative that could
play a significant role not only for teaching Business Communication, but has the
potential to promote lifelong learning initiatives in Malaysia in a much meaningful
and inviting way.
Although this study shows that BL contributed a significant and meaningful learning
particularly for adult learners, it needs more definitive studies. Such information
can be used to guide policy makers and educators as they plan national, regional,
state, and local trainings and higher education programs for working professionals
in Malaysia.
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