Blended Learning System: College Staff Perception and Infrastructural Requirements in a Post Covid Era

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the traditional educational landscape, compelling educational institutions to implement alternative teaching and learning methods. Blended learning, which integrates online and in-person instruction, has become a viable option. The need to incorporate Blended Learning Systems into the teaching and learning processes of our nation’s higher institutions has become indispensable. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of staff members at the Federal College of Education (T) Asaba on the inculcation of a blended learning system as an alternative model in the teaching and learning as well as identifying the infrastructural requirements for its successful implementation. The researchers developed and administered the Blended Learning System Questionnaire (BLSQ) to collect data from a sample of seventy (70) staff. Data collected was analyzed using the mean and standard deviation. Despite the apparent infrastructural deficits, academic staff were well aware of the blended learning system and were equally willing to contribute their quota to support its full implementation. However, infrastructural deficits of laptops, Learning Management Systems, internet connectivity amongst other factors were identified. It was thus suggested that the government through its education funding agencies include the implementation of a blended learning system in their budget. It was further suggested government and other education funding agencies ameliorate posed by the identified infrastructural gaps.