The project is targeted to determine the impact of blended learning in the teaching and learning process deriving from the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on this retrospective approach, the project takes on a look into the future and investigates, which skills, tools and methods will be retained, implemented and further developed. The research methods used in the collaboration between the University St. Kliment Ohridski-Bitola and the University of Applied Sciences Burgenland were selected according to the project objectives and main research.
Methods
- Desk research, covering a period from the Covid-19 outbreak in March 2020 and going beyond the pandemic by showing the implications for higher education institutions
- Two questionnaires targeting faculty staff and students at higher education institutions to gather information on the impact of the increased use of online and blended learning
- Four focus groups with academic staff and the broader business community to provide answers about how well students are prepared for their business (international business, tourism, hospitality, logistics) through online and blended learning teaching methods.
Scientific brochure
The results of the two-year project will be published in a so-called “scientific brochure” in paper and PDF versions which will be downloadable on the project website and the websites of the two universities. The brochure will promote the results to ensure adequate quality of education and to maintain and improve skills and competencies in online teaching and blended learning. It is important to emphasize that the brochure will not only provide scientific results, but will also give recommendations for teachers and university staff on how to implement best blended learning strategies.