Blended Learning Environment in Management Education: Opportunities, Challenges and a Way Forward

Abstract

This paper is purely based on the review of related literature which was categorised under (a) drivers of change in learning environments, (b) opportunities and issues in blended learning and (c)strategies to overcome these issues. It was noted that new learning environments like ‘online only’ and ‘blended learning’ are rapidly becoming integral parts of globalizing management education. Better reach and flexibility were identified major advantages of these new environments. However, on the issues of quality control and development of soft skills like interpersonal and communication skills blended learning environments were identified better than ‘online-only’. Scholars in this area identified that blending emerged as a middle way between modern ‘online’ and traditional ‘face-to-face’ learning. Later, some studies also indicated that hybrid learning environments were not free from challenges. These challenges were mainly categorised under environmental, institutional, instructor and learner personality related issues. It was interesting to note that considering the strengths of blended learning environments, studies done so far seem to be optimistic about the growth of blended-learning environments. Therefore, from the review it can be inferred that proactive approaches and consistent efforts in managing challenges in blended learning ensures its effectiveness and bright future prospects.