Blended learning in higher education: A study of a graduate school of business, Trinidad and Tobago

Abstract

This study looks at the experiences of postgraduate students moving from the traditional face-to-face delivery mode to a blended mode. In the blended mode, parts of the academic delivery occur using the online platform at the Graduate School of Business, Trinidad and Tobago. The majority of students favoured moving to a blended mode because of the flexibility and convenience that the online component brings. Students, however, expressed the view that the interaction with peers and networking opportunities were critical aspects of postgraduate education in management and they, therefore, preferred a blend in the programme where at least 50% of the programme is offered through traditional classroom delivery. The findings also revealed that the extent of enjoyment in working in the online environment was related to the age of the student, the clarity of the online materials, and students' comfort with the Learning Management System (LMS).