A study on the effectiveness of a blended learning model in English language learning in higher education: Student attitudes and opinions

The unprecedented development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools in recent years has led to the spread of new models in English education. In addition to traditional face-to-face teaching, the 'blended learning' model of education, which was created by incorporating online resources into and out of the classroom, has been widely applied in recent years. From this point of view, the aim of this study is to evaluate students' attitudes and opinions about the blended learning model realized through a virtual classroom environment created through the Easyclass website (Easyclass, n.d.). This study was conducted in a state university for 15 weeks with 61 vocational school students with a beginner level of English. In this study, mixed method research design was used. Blended Learning Environment Scale developed by Cabı and Gülbahar (2013) was used to collect quantitative data. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 volunteer students to collect qualitative data. These interviews were analyzed using content analysis. For the analysis of quantitative data, descriptive statistics were made with SPSS 23 program. There are 55 items in the scale with four factors: Online Learning (OL), Face-to-face (FtF) learning, Blended Learning (BL), and Technical Issues. The obtained data revealed that the students favored FtF learning the most (Mean=4.35) compared to BL and OL models. The students have the highest perceptions of 'learning with the guidance of the instructor' (Mean=4.60). With regards to the BL model, it was revealed that they have a very positive approach (Mean=4.15). As for online learning, although the students are quite positive, their ratings are relatively lower than those of FtF and the BL model (Mean=3.64). Regarding online learning, 'getting instant feedback from the instructor' has the highest rating (Mean=4.03). With respect to technological issues, it was found that the students do not have negative perceptions as they stated they rarely had technology-related problems (Mean=2.51). Student interviews indicated that they found the BL model in English lessons quite useful and motivating. They stated that the BL enhanced their vocabulary and grammar knowledge the most. They believed that getting feedback from the instructor outside the classroom and doing self-assessment exercises helped improve their English language learning. The triangulation of the qualitative and quantitative data of the study revealed that the vocational school students had quite high perceptions towards utilizing a blended learning model via a learning management system for English language learning in higher education. Keywords: Blended learning, online education, virtual classroom, ELT, WEB 2.0 tools