Skip to main content

Discovering Blended Learning Adoption: An Italian Case Study in Higher Education

  • Conference paper
  • First Online:
Organizing for Digital Innovation

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation ((LNISO,volume 27))

Abstract

In the last decade, online education has become a fast-growing delivery method in higher education in Italy. According to data provided by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research during the academic year 2014–2015, 60,000 students were enrolled in a Telematic University, experiencing a 60% growth rate in the last five years. In this frame it is important to inquire about blended learning adoption and implementation in order to assist University leaders in changing policies that will lead to improvement of teaching and learning conditions. Using a case study and conducting a survey on online structure this paper aims: (a) to identify institutional strategy, structure, and support markers that would allow administrators to determine their progress in transitioning exploration of blended learning to implementation; (b) to understand what are the main factors affecting satisfaction of faculty involved in a blended learning experience.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Sher, A.: Assessing the relationship of student-instructor and student-student interaction to student learning and satisfaction in web-based online learning environment. J. Interact. Online Learn 8, 102–120 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  2. Adeoye, Y.M., Oluwole, A.F., Blessing, L.A.: Appraising the role of information communication technology (ICT) as a change agent for higher education in Nigeria. Int. J. Educ. Adm. Policy Stud. 5, 177–183 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  3. Garito, M.A.: L’Università nel XXI Secolo tra Tradizione e Innovazione. McGraw-Hill Education, Milano (2015)

    Google Scholar 

  4. Garito, M.A.: A strategy for Europe in the age of the knowledge society: building new knowledge networks among traditional and distance universities. New internet-based contents for a global labour market. In: Proceedings of the 2013 EADTU (European Association of Distance Teaching Universities)—Transition to Open and On-line Education in European Universities, Paris (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  5. Maeroff, G.I.: A classroom of one: how online learning is changing our schools and colleges. Palgrave MacMillan, New York (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  6. Aggarwal, A.K., Bento, R.: Web-based education. In: Aggarwal A. (ed.) Web-based learning and teaching technologies: opportunities and challenges, pp. 2–16. PA: Idea Group, Hershey (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  7. Pittinsky, M.S.: The wired tower: perspectives on the impact of the internet on higher education. Pearson Education, Upper Saddle River, NJ (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  8. Tan, H.Y., Neo, M.: Exploring the use of authentic learning strategies in designing blended learning environments a Malaysian experience. J. Sci. Technol. Policy Manage. 6, 127–142 (2015)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Wade, R.: Pedagogy, places and people. J. Teach. Educ. Sustain. 14, 147–167 (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  10. Harris, P., Connolly, J., Feeney, L.: Blended learning: overview and recommendations for successful implementation. Ind. Comm. Train. 41, 155–163 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Garrison, D.R., Kanuka, H.: Blended learning: uncovering its transformative potential in higher education. Internet High. Educ. 7, 95–105 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Wong, L., Tatnall, A., Burgess, S.: A framework for investigating blended learning effectiveness. Education + Training. 56, 233–251 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  13. Wilbur, S.: Creating a community of learning using web-based tools. In: Hazemi, R., Hailes, S., Wilbur S. (eds.) The digital university: reinventing the academy, pp. 73–83. Verlag, London (1998)

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  14. Arbaugh, J.B.: What might online delivery teach us about blended management education? Prior perspectives and future directions. J. Manage. Educ. 38, 784–817 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Wu, J., Liu, W.: An empirical investigation of the critical factors affecting students’ satisfaction. EFL Blended Learn. 4, 3 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  16. Bolliger, D.U., Wasilik, O.: Factors influencing faculty satisfaction with online teaching and learning in higher education. Distance Educ. 30, 103–116 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Sloan Consortium: Quick guide: pillar reference manual. Author, Needham, MA. Retrieved from http://www.sloanc.org/publications/books/dprm_sm.pdf (2002)

  18. Selim, H.M.: Critical success factors for e-learning acceptance: confirmatory factor Models. Comput. Educ. 49, 396–413 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Webster, J., Hackley, P.: Teaching effectiveness in technology-mediated distance learning. Acad. Manag. J. 40, 1282–1309 (1997)

    Google Scholar 

  20. Graham, C.R., Woodfield, W., Harrison, J.B.: A framework for institutional adoption and implementation of blended learning in higher education. Internet High. Educ. 18, 4–14 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Christo-Baker, E.: Distance education leadership in higher education institutions: explored within theoretical frameworks of organizational change and diffusion of innovations theory. In: Cantoni, L., McLoughlin C. (eds.) Proceedings of World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia and Telecommunications, AACE, Chesapeake, VA, pp. 251–256, (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  22. Graham, C.R., Robison, R.: Realizing the transformational potential of blended learning: comparing cases of transforming blends and enhancing blends in higher education. In: Picciano, A.G., Dziuban C.D. (eds.) Blended learning: research perspectives, pp. 83–110. Sloan-C, Needham, MA (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Tshabalala, M., Ndeya-Ndereya, C., Van der Merwe, T.: Implementing blended learning at a developing university: obstacles in the way. Electron. J. e-Learn. 12, 101–110 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  24. Bliuc, A.M., Goodyear, P., Ellis, R.A.: Research focus and methodological choices in studies into students’ experiences of blended learning in higher education. Internet High. Educ. 10, 231–244 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Drysdale, J.S., Graham, C.R., Spring, K.J., Halverson, L.R.: An analysis of research trends in dissertations and theses studying blended learning. Internet High. Educ. 17, 90–100 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Graham, C.R.: Blended learning systems: definition, current trends, and future directions. In: Bonk, C.J., Graham C. R. (eds.) Handbook of blended learning: global perspectives, local designs, pp. 3–21. Pfeiffer Publishing, San Francisco, CA (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  27. Ocak, M.A.: Why are faculty members not teaching blended courses? Insights from faculty members. Comput. Educ. 56, 689–699 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Rovai, A.P., Jordan, H.M.: Blended learning and sense of community: a comparative analysis with traditional and fully online graduate courses. Int. Rev. Res. Open Distance Learn. 5, 1–13 (2004)

    Google Scholar 

  29. Jones, N.: E-CollegeWales, a case study of blended learning. In: Bonk, C.J. Graham, C.R. (eds.) Handbook of blended learning: global perspectives, local designs, pp. 182–194. Pfeiffer Publishing, San Francisco, CA, (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  30. Jones, N., Chew, E., Jones, C., Lau, A.: Over the worst or at the eye of the storm? Educ. Train. 51, 6–22 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Garnham, C., Kaleta, R.: Introduction to hybrid courses. Teach. Technol. Today, 8–6 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  32. ANVUR: Linee guida per l’accreditamento periodico delle sedi delle università telematiche e dei corsi di studio erogati in modalità telematica, (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  33. Ho, A., Lu, L., Thurmaier, K.: Testing the reluctant professor’s hypothesis: evaluating a blended-learning approach to distance education. J. Publ. Aff. Educ. 12, 81–102 (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  34. Vaughan, N.: Perspectives on blended learning in higher education. Int. J. E-Learn. 6, 81–94 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  35. Edginton, A.: Blended learning approach to teaching basic pharmacokinetics and the significance of face-to-face interaction. Am. J. Pharm. Educ. 74, 1 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Napier, N.P., Dekhane, S., Smith, S.: Transitioning to blended learning: understanding student and faculty perceptions. J. Asynchronous Learn. Netw. 15, 20–32 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  37. Garrison, D.R., Vaughan, N.D.: Institutional change and leadership associated with blended learning innovation: two case studies. Internet High. Educ. 18, 24–28 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Beggs, T.A.: Influences and barriers to the adoption of instructional technology. In: Proceedings from Mid-South Instructional Technology Conference, Murfreesboro, TN (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  39. Zhou, G., Xu, J.: Adoption of educational technology: how does gender matter? Int. J. Teach. Learn. High. Educ. 19, 140–153 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  40. Chen, B.: Barriers to adoption of technology-mediated distance education in higher education institutions. Q. Rev. Distance Educ. 10, 333–338 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  41. Mtebe, J.S., Raisamo, R.: Challenges and instructors’ intention to adopt and use open educational resources in higher education in Tanzania. Int. Rev. Res. Open Distance Learn. 15, 249–271 (2014)

    Google Scholar 

  42. Ngimwa, P., Wilson, T.: An empirical investigation of the emergent issues around OER adoption in Sub-Saharan Africa. Learn. Media Technol. 37, 398–413 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Findik, C., Ozkan, S.: A model for instructors’ adoption of learning management systems: empirical validation in higher education context. Turkish Online J. Educ. Technol. 12, 13–25 (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  44. Swan, G.: Examining barriers in faculty adoption of an e-portfolio system. Australas. J. Educ. Technol. 25, 627–644 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. McCann, A.L.: Factors affecting the adoption of an e-assessment system. Eval. High. Educ. 35, 799–818 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Buchanan, T., Sainter, P., Saunders, G.: Factors affecting faculty use of learning technologies: implications for models of technology adoption. J. Comput. High. Educ. 25, 1–11 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Lin, C., Huang, C., Chen, C.: Barriers to the adoption of ICT in teaching Chinese as a foreign language in US universities. ReCALL 26, 100–116 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Butler, D.L., Sellbom, M.: Barriers to adopting technology for teaching and learning. Educause Q 25, 22–28 (2002)

    Google Scholar 

  49. Humbert, M.: Adoption of blended learning by faculty: an exploratory analysis. In: McCuddy M.K. (ed.) The challenges of educating people to lead in a challenging world, pp. 423–436. Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  50. Oh, E., Park, S.: How are universities involved in blended instruction? Educ. Technol. Soc. 12, 327–342 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  51. Graham, C.R.: Emerging practice and research in blended learning. In: Moore M.J. (ed.) Handbook of distance education, pp. 333–350. Routledge, New York, NY (2013)

    Google Scholar 

  52. Oliver, M., Trigwell, K.: Can “blended learning” be redeemed? E-Learn. Dig. Media 2, 17–26 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  53. Sharpe, R., Benfield, G., Francis, R.: Implementing a university e-learning strategy: levers for change within academic schools. Res. Learn. Technol. 14, 135–151 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  54. Halverson, L.R., Graham, C.R., Spring, K.J., Drysdale, J.S.: An analysis of high impact scholarship and publication trends in blended learning. Distance Educ. 33, 381–413 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Niemiec, M., Otte, G.: An administrator’s guide to the whys and hows of blended learning. J. Asynchronous Learn. Netw. 13, 19–30 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  56. Battaglino, T.B., Haldeman, M., Laurans, E.: The costs of online learning. In: Finn, C.E., Fairchild D.R. (eds.) Education reform for the digital era, pp. 55–76. Thomas B. Fordham Institute, Washington, DC (2012)

    Google Scholar 

  57. Wallace, L., Young, J.: Implementing blended learning: policy implications for universities. Online J. Distance Learn. Adm. 13, 7 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  58. Maguire, L.: The faculty perspective regarding their role in distance education policymaking. Online J. Distance Learn. Adm. 12, 1 (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  59. Cook, R., Ley, K., Crawford, C., Warner, A.: Motivators and inhibitors for university faculty in distance and e-learning. Br. J. Edu. Technol. 40, 149–163 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  60. Giannoni, D., Tesone, D.: What academic administrators should know to attract senior level faculty members to online learning environments. Online J. Distance Learn. Adm. 6, 1 (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  61. Schifter, C.: Faculty participation in asynchronous learning networks: a case study of motivating and inhibiting factors. J. Asynchronous Learn. Netw. 4, 15–22 (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  62. Durette, A.: Legal perspectives in web course management. In: Mann B.L. (ed.) Perspectives in web course management, pp. 87–101. Canadian Scholars’ Press, Toronto, Canada (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  63. Fredericksen, E., Pickett, A., Shea, P., Pelz, W., Swan, K.: Factors influencing faculty satisfaction with asynchronous teaching and learning in the SUNY learning network. J. Asynchronous Learn. Netw. 4, 245–278 (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  64. Hartman, J., Dziuban, C., Moskal, P.: Faculty satisfaction in ALNs: a dependent or independent variable? J. Asynchronous Learn. Netw. 4, 155–177 (2000)

    Google Scholar 

  65. Palloff, R.M., Pratt, K.: Lessons from the cyberspace classroom: the realities of online teaching. Jossey-Bass, San Francisco (2001)

    Google Scholar 

  66. Panda, S., Mishra, S.: E-learning in a mega open university: faculty attitude, barriers and motivators. Educ. Media Int. 44, 323–338 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  67. Simonson, M., Smaldino, S., Albright, M., Zvacek, S.: Teaching and learning at a distance: foundations of distance education. Allyn & Bacon, Boston (2009)

    Google Scholar 

  68. Sloan Consortium: Faculty satisfaction. SloanCWiki, Needham, MA (2006)

    Google Scholar 

  69. Tabata, L., Johnsrud, L.: The impact of faculty attitudes toward technology, distance education, and innovation. Res. High. Educ. 49, 625–646 (2008)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  70. Motteram, G.: Blended’ education and the transformation of teachers: a long-term case study in postgraduate UK higher education. Br. J. Edu. Technol. 37, 17–30 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  71. Taylor, J.A., Newton, D.: Beyond blended learning: a case study of institutional change at an Australian regional university. Internet High. Educ. 18, 54–60 (2013)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  72. Eisenhardt, K.M.: Building theories from case study research. Acad. Manag. Rev. 14, 532–550 (1989)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  73. Berry, A., Loughton, E., Otley, D.: Control in a financial services company (RIF): a case study. Manage. Account. Res. 2, 109–139 (1991)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  74. Otley, D.T., Berry, A.J.: Case study research in management accounting and control. Manage. Account. Res. 5, 45–65 (1994)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  75. Yin, R.K.: Case study research–design and methods. Sage Publications, Thousand Oaks, CA (1994)

    Google Scholar 

  76. Maxwell, J.A.: Qualitative research design: an interactive approach. Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA (1996)

    Google Scholar 

  77. Bender, D.M., Wood, B.J., Vredevoogd, J.D.: Teaching time: distance education versus classroom instruction. Am. J. Distance Educ. 18, 103–114 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  78. Conceição, S.C.O.: Faculty lived experiences in the online environment. Adult Educ. Q. 57, 26–45 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  79. Spector, J.M.: Time demands in online instruction. Distance Educ. 26, 5–27 (2005)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Danila Scarozza .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2019 Springer International Publishing AG, part of Springer Nature

About this paper

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this paper

Previtali, P., Scarozza, D. (2019). Discovering Blended Learning Adoption: An Italian Case Study in Higher Education. In: Lazazzara, A., Nacamulli, R., Rossignoli, C., Za, S. (eds) Organizing for Digital Innovation. Lecture Notes in Information Systems and Organisation, vol 27. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-90500-6_16

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics