Year: 2004
Type: article
Abstract: Blended Learning (B.L.) is widely used nowadays in many higher education institutions, especially those which have embraced distance education and any other form of e-learning as one of their major institutional and teaching efforts, such as "The Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey" (ITESM) has done in Mexico.One of the most competitive private higher education institutions in Mexico, "El Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey" (ITESM) (also named TEC de Monterrey), has implemented for more than 8 years videoconferencing, TV satellite and online instruction to deliver distance education courses and programs, and also more than 6 years using different e-learning platforms (LearningSpace, BlackBoard, FirstClass, BSCW, WebTec) to enhance its traditional face-to-face and distance education programs at undergraduate and graduate level (Masters and Doctoral).This effort has produced new and unique teaching and instructional experiences in blended learning environments (a combination with computer technology and Internet components with traditional face-toface teaching forms and e-learning formats), going from those environments which are entirely e-learning (online, web-based, videoconferencing, TV-satellite), to others which are just mediated by computer communication (using multimedia, CDRoms, Internet), and also, from those environments which are just traditional face-to-face instruction using computer and online tools to enhance their courses.This blended learning continuum has produced many teaching, instructional, and learning situations and practices; some with success, others with failures and frustrations for teachers, instructors and learners.ITESM has a particular background on faculty best and worst practices using a blended learning approach for its e-learning courses and face-to-face courses.The intend of this conference paper presentation is to show such best and worst practices, and reflect on them and present an urgent need on a more deeply pedagogical and academic reflection on this kind of education (Blended Learning) so widely used nowadays in many places around the world.As Russell T. Osguthorpe and Charles R. Graham (2003), said: "The term blended learning is being used with increased frequency in academic journals and conferences as well as industry trade shows and magazines.However, closer scrutiny reveals that there is considerable disagreement regarding the meaning of the term ... [and a great need to conduct more research and reflection on it]" (p.227).The presentation will also comment on pedagogical and technological problems, difficulties, constraints, and successes that faculty has at ITESM-Mexico City Campus when they are using a blended learning approach in their teaching practices.
Author: Fernando Mortera-Gutiérrez
Institution: Tecnológico de Monterrey
Language: English
Topic: Online and Blended Learning
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2170537165