Journal Screenshot

International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development

Open Access Journal

ISSN: 2226-6348

Blended Learning Research: A Systematic Review and Identification of Future Research Gaps

Merfat Angawi, Zaidatun Tasir

http://dx.doi.org/10.6007/IJARPED/v13-i3/22216

Open access

In the dynamic landscape of modern education, blended learning has emerged as a transformative paradigm, integrating face-to-face and e-learning experiences. In this systematic review paper, we explore into the multifaceted dimensions of blended learning, examining its trends, challenges, and future research gaps. As an innovative approach, blended learning strives to harmonize traditional teaching methods with online resources to optimize educational outcomes across diverse disciplines. The study followed the PRISMA guidelines, ensuring methodological rigor and reproducibility. The synthesis of diverse studies on blended learning indicates its positive impact on student performance, retention, and practical skills across various educational levels and subjects. Personalized approaches and technological interventions enhance its effectiveness. By shedding light on existing gaps and challenges, this study aimed to guide stakeholders in shaping the global design and adoption of blended learning practices, marking a novel contribution to the evolving literature on this transformative educational model.

Al-Hunaiyyan, A., Alhajri, R., & Bimba, A. (2021). Towards an efficient integrated distance and blended learning model: how to minimise the impact of COVID-19 on education. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 15(10). 173–193. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v15i10.21331
Alamri, H. A., Watson, S., & Watson, W. (2021). Learning technology models that support personalization within blended learning environments in higher education. TechTrends, 65, 62-78. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-020-00530-3
Alvarez, Jr., A. (2020). Learning from the problems and challenges in blended learning: Basis for faculty development and program enhancement. Asian Journal of Distance Education, 15(2), 112-132. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4292631
Arien-Zakay, H. (2024). Blended learning in nursing pharmacology: elevating cognitive skills, engagement and academic outcomes. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1361415
Ashraf, M. A., Yang, M., Zhang, Y., Denden, M., Tlili, A., Liu, J., Huang, R., & Burgos, D. (2021). A systematic review of systematic reviews on blended learning: Trends, gaps and future directions. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 1525-1541. https://doi.org/10.2147/PRBM.S331741
Atwa, H., Shehata, M. H., Al-Ansari, A., Kumar, A., Jaradat, A., Ahmed, J., & Deifalla, A. (2022). Online, face-to-face, or blended learning? Faculty and medical students' perceptions during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-method study. Frontiers in medicine, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.791352
Ayob, H. H., Daleure, G., Solovieva, N., Minhas, W., & White, T. (2023). The effectiveness of using blended learning teaching and learning strategy to develop students' performance at higher education. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, 15(3), 650-662. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-09-2020-0288
Bazelais, P., & Doleck, T. (2018). Investigating the impact of blended learning on academic performance in a first semester college physics course. Journal of Computers in Education, 5, 67-94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40692-018-0099-8
Berga, K. A., Vadnais, E., Nelson, J., Johnston, S., Buro, K., Hu, R., & Olaiya, B. (2021). Blended learning versus face-to-face learning in an undergraduate nursing health assessment course: A quasi-experimental study. Nurse Education Today, 96, 104622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2020.104622
Bordoloi, R., Das, P., & Das, K. (2021). Perception towards online/blended learning at the time of Covid-19 pandemic: An academic analytics in the Indian context. Asian Association of Open Universities Journal, 16(1), 41-60. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAOUJ-09-2020-0079
Castro, R. (2019). Blended learning in higher education: Trends and capabilities. Education and Information Technologies, 24(4), 2523-2546. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-09886-3.
Dahmash, N. (2020). I couldn’t join the session’: Benefits and challenges of blended learning amid COVID-19 from EFL students. International Journal of English Linguistics, 10(5), 221-230. https://doi.org/10.5539/ijel.v10n5p221
Dakhi, O., Jama, J., & Irfan, D. (2020). Blended learning: a 21st century learning model at college. International Journal of Multi Science, 1(08), 50-65.
Dridi, M. A., Radhakrishnan, D., Moser-Mercer, B., & DeBoer, J. (2020). Challenges of blended learning in refugee camps: When internet connectivity fails, human connection succeeds. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 21(3), 250-263. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v21i3.4770
Fadde, P. J., & Vu, P. (2014). Blended online learning: Benefits, challenges, and misconceptions. Online learning: Common misconceptions, benefits and challenges, 9(4), 33-48.
Fan, S., Trimble, A., Kember, D., Muir, T., Douglas, T., Wang, Y., Masters, J., & Mainsbridge, C. (2024). Supporting engagement and retention of online and blended-learning students: A qualitative study from an Australian University. The Australian Educational Researcher, 51(1), 403-421. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-022-00605-5
Fazza, H., & Mahgoub, M. (2021). Student engagement in online and blended learning in a higher education institution in the Middle East: Challenges and solutions. Studies in Technology Enhanced Learning, 1(2). https://doi.org/10.21428/8c225f6e.5bcbd385
Gunawan, G., Purwoko, A. A., Ramdani, A., & Yustiqvar, M. (2021). Pembelajaran menggunakan learning management system berbasis Moodle pada masa pandemi COVID-19. Indonesian Journal of Teacher Education, 2(1), 226-235.
Hamadneh, N. N., Atawneh, S., Khan, W. A., Almejalli, K. A., & Alhomoud, A. (2022). Using artificial intelligence to predict students’ academic performance in blended learning. Sustainability, 14(18), 11642. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811642
Hamzah., Tambak, S., Hamzah, M. L., Purwati, A. A., Irawan, Y., & Umam, M. I. H. (2022). Effectiveness of blended learning model based on problem-based learning in islamic studies course. International Journal of Instruction, 15(2), 775-792. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2022.15242a
Heilporn, G., Lakhal, S., & Bélisle, M. (2021). An examination of teachers’ strategies to foster student engagement in blended learning in higher education. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 18, 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-021-00260-3
Hinampas, R. T., Murillo, C. R., Tan, D. A., & Layosa, R. U. (2018). Blended learning approach: Effect on students’ academic achievement and practical skills in science laboratories. International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research, 7(11), 63-69.
Kiviniemi, M. T. (2014). Effects of a blended learning approach on student outcomes in a graduate-level public health course. BMC Medical Education, 14(47), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6920-14-47
Koi-Akrofi, G. Y., Owusu-Oware, E., & Tanye, H. (2020). Challenges of distance, blended, and online learning: A literature-based approach. International Journal on Integrating Technology in Education, 9(4), 17-39. https://doi.org/10.5121/ijite.2020.9403
Krismadinata., Verawardina, U., Jalinus, N., Rizal, F., Sukardi,. Sudira, P., Ramadhani, D., Lubis, A. L., Friadi, J., Arifin, A. S. R., & Novaliendry, D. (2020). Blended learning as instructional model in vocational education: Literature review. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(11B), 5801-5815. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.082214
Kumar, A., Krishnamurthi, R., Bhatia, S., Kaushik, K., Ahuja, N. J., Nayyar, A., & Masud, M. (2021). Blended learning tools and practices: A comprehensive analysis. IEEE Access, 9, 85151-85197. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2021.3085844
Li, S., & Wang, W. (2022). Effect of blended learning on student performance in K?12 settings: A meta?analysis. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 38(5), 1254-1272. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12696
Mahmud, R. (2020). Blended learning model implementation in the normal, pandemic, and new normal era. Proceedings of the 5th Progressive and Fun Education International Conference, 130-139. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201015.021
Marie, S. M. J. A. (2021). Improved pedagogical practices strengthens the performance of student teachers by a blended learning approach. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 4(1), 100199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2021.100199
Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., Altman, D. G., The PRISMA Group (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. PLoS Med, 6(7). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1000097
Nasution, A. K. P., Surbakti, A. H., Zakaria, R., Wahyuningsih, S. K., & Daulay, L. A. (2021). Face to face learning vs blended learning vs online learning (student perception of learning). Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1783(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1783/1/012112
Oweis, T. I. (2018). Effects of using a blended learning method on students’ achievement and motivation to learn English in Jordan: A pilot case study. Education research international, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/7425924
Ragni, A., Ippolito, D., & Masci, C. (2024). Assessing the impact of hybrid teaching on students’ academic performance via multilevel propensity score-based techniques. Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, 92, 101824. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seps.2024.101824
Rasheed, R. A., Kamsin, A., & Abdullah, N. A. (2020). Challenges in the online component of blended learning: A systematic review. Computers & Education, 144, 103701. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103701
Saleem, M., Kamarudin, S., Shoaib, H. M., & Nasar, A. (2023). Influence of augmented reality app on intention towards e-learning amidst COVID-19 pandemic. Interactive Learning Environments, 31(5), 3083-3097. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2021.1919147
Serrano, D. R., Dea?Ayuela, M. A., Gonzalez?Burgos, E., Serrano?Gil, A., & Lalatsa, A. (2019). Technology?enhanced learning in higher education: How to enhance student engagement through blended learning. European Journal of Education, 54(2), 273-286. https://doi.org/10.1111/ejed.12330
Shamsuddin, N., & Kaur, J. (2020). Students' learning style and its effect on blended learning, does it matter? International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 9(1), 195-202. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v9i1.20422
Singh, J., Steele, K., & Singh, L. (2021). Combining the best of online and face-to-face learning: Hybrid and blended learning approach for COVID-19, post vaccine, & post-pandemic world. Journal of Educational Technology Systems, 50(2), 140-171. https://doi.org/10.1177/00472395211047865
Siripongdee, K., Pimdee, P., & Tuntiwongwanich, S. (2020). A blended learning model with IoT-based technology: Effectively used when the COVID-19 pandemic? Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists, 8(2), 905-917. https://doi.org/10.17478/jegys.698869
Sivakumar, P., & Selvakumar, S. (2019). Blended learning package: It’s effectiveness on students’ performance and retention in higher secondary physics course. International journal of scientific & technology research, 8(10), 1316-1320.
Sumardi, D., Suryani, N., & Musadad, A. A. (2021). Website-based learning management system (LMS) as a tool for learning in the covid-19 pandemic period for junior high schools. Journal of Education Technology, 5(3), 346-355. https://doi.org/10.23887/jet.v5i3.38371
Suryono, W., Haryanto, B. B., Santosa, T. A., Rahman, A., & Sappaile, B. I. (2023). The Effect of The Blended Learning Model on Student Critical Thinking Skill: Meta-analysis. Edumaspul: Jurnal Pendidikan, 7(1), 1386-1397. https://doi.org/10.33487/edumaspul.v7i1.6087
Tubagus, M., Muslim, S., & Suriani, S. (2020). Development of learning management system-based blended learning model using claroline in higher education. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 14(6), 186-194. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v14i06.13399
Ustun, A. B., & Tracey, M. W. (2020). An effective way of designing blended learning: A three phase design-based research approach. Education and Information Technologies, 25(3), 1529-1552. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-09999-9
Vo, H. M., Zhu, C., & Diep, N. A. (2017). The effect of blended learning on student performance at course-level in higher education: A meta-analysis. Studies in Educational Evaluation, 53, 17-28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stueduc.2017.01.002
Wu, T. T., Lee, H. Y., Li, P. H., Huang, C. N., & Huang, Y. M. (2024). Promoting self-regulation progress and knowledge construction in blended learning via ChatGPT-based learning aid. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 61(8), 3-31. https://doi.org/10.1177/07356331231191125
Wut, T., Wong, H. S., Sum, C. K., & Chan, E. A. (2024). Does institution support matter? Blended learning approach in the higher education sector. Education and Information Technologies, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12478-5
Zhang, J. H., Zou, L. C., Miao, J. J., Zhang, Y. X., Hwang, G. J., & Zhu, Y. (2020). An individualized intervention approach to improving university students’ learning performance and interactive behaviors in a blended learning environment. Interactive Learning Environments, 28(2), 231-245. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2019.1636078

Angawi, M., & Tasir, Z. (2024). Blended Learning Research: A Systematic Review and Identification of Future Research Gaps. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 13(3), 2993–3017.