ArticlePDF Available

Students’ Understanding of Open Education and Blinded Learning in Higher Education Institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain

Authors:
Hesham Ahmed Alasheeri
Hesham Ahmed Alasheeri
Hasan Mohsen Alwadi at Bahrain Teachers College, University of Bahrain
Hasan Mohsen Alwadi
  • Bahrain Teachers College, University of Bahrain
Download full-text PDF
Read full-text
Download citation

Abstract

The current study aimed at investigating students’ understanding of open education and blinded learning that is implemented by the Arab Open University, Bahrain’s branch in the Kingdom of Bahrain from the students’ point of views. The study also attempted to explore the success that Arab Open University has made in spreading the culture of open education and blended learning in the Kingdom of Bahrain. To aachieve the aims of the study, the analytical descriptive methodology was implemented through designing a questionnaire to collect and analyse data under the light of the research questions. The sample of the study consisted of 385 students distributed between both the Arab Open University (210) and University of Bahrain (175). The study findings revealed that there is a good level of students’ understanding of the concepts of open education and blended learning in higher education but they also have different perceptions of how both concepts differ from each other. The results also showed that the students at the Arab Open University have better understanding of both learning styles than their peers at the University of Bahrain probably because of their educational system at the Arab Open University thatis based on open education and blended learning.
Content uploaded by Hasan Mohsen Alwadi
Author content
All content in this area was uploaded by Hasan Mohsen Alwadi on Feb 08, 2017
Content may be subject to copyright.
ﻢﻴﻠﻌﺘﻟا تﺎﺴﺳﺆﻣ ﺔﺒﻠﻃ بﺎﻌﻴﺘﺳا ىﺪﻣ
مﺎﻈﻨﻟ ﻦﻳﺮﺤﺒﻟا ﺔﻜﻠﻤﻣ ﻲﻓ ﻲﻟﺎﻌﻟا
ﺞﻣﺪﻤﻟا ﻢﻴﻠﻌﺘﻟاو حﻮﺘﻔﻤﻟا ﻢﻴﻠﻌﺘﻟا
Received: 22 Oct. 2015,
Revised: 16 Feb. 2016, 10 May 2016
Published online: 1 (July) 2016
يﺮﻴﺸﻌﻟا ﺪﻤﺣأ مﺎﺸﻫ
ﺔﺣﻮﺘﻔﻤﻟا ﺔﻴﺑﺮﻌﻟا ﺔﻌﻣﺎﺠﻟا
ﻦﻳﺮﺤﺒﻟا ﺔﻜﻠﻤﻣ
asheerih@aou.org.bh
يداﻮﻟا ﻦﺴﺤﻣ ﻦﺴﺣ
ﻦﻳﺮﺤﺒﻟا ﺔﻌﻣﺎﺟ - ﻦﻴﻤﻠﻌﻤﻠﻟ ﻦﻳﺮﺤﺒﻟا ﺔﻴﻠﻛ
ﻦﻳﺮﺤﺒﻟا ﺔﻜﻠﻤﻣ
halwadi@uob.edu
137
International Journal of Pedagogical Innovations
ISSN 2210-1543
Int. J. Ped. Inn. 4, No. 2, (July 2016)
http://journals.uob.edu.bh












      






ﻢﻴﻠﻌﺘﻟا تﺎﺴﺳﺆﻣ ﺔﺒﻠﻃ بﺎﻌﻴﺘﺳا ىﺪﻣ
مﺎﻈﻨﻟ ﻦﻳﺮﺤﺒﻟا ﺔﻜﻠﻤﻣ ﻲﻓ ﻲﻟﺎﻌﻟا
ﺞﻣﺪﻤﻟا ﻢﻴﻠﻌﺘﻟاو حﻮﺘﻔﻤﻟا ﻢﻴﻠﻌﺘﻟا






http://journals.uob.edu.bh
Students’ Understanding of Open Education
and Blinded Learning in Higher Education
Institutions in the Kingdom of Bahrain
The current study aimed at investigating students’ understanding of open education
and blinded learning that is implemented by the Arab Open University, Bahrain’s
branch in the Kingdom of Bahrain from the students’ point of views. The study also
attempted to explore the success that Arab Open University has made in spreading the
culture of open education and blended learning in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
To aachieve the aims of the study, the analytical descriptive methodology was
implemented through designing a questionnaire to collect and analyse data under the
light of the research questions. The sample of the study consisted of 385 students
distributed between both the Arab Open University (210) and University of Bahrain

of the concepts of open education and blended learning in higher education but they
also have different perceptions of how both concepts differ from each other. The results
also showed that the students at the Arab Open University have better understanding of
both learning styles than their peers at the University of Bahrain probably because of
their educational system at the Arab Open University thatis based on open education
and blended learning.
Keywords: Higher education, open education, blended learning.
Hasan Al-Wadi
Universityof Bahrain
Kingdom of Bahrain
Abstract
Hesham AlAsheeri
Arab Open University
Kingdom of Bahrain
224 Int. J. Ped. Inn. 4, No. 2, 222- 243 (Jul. 2016)
http://journals.uob.edu.bh
ﻢﻴﻠﻌﺘﻟا تﺎﺴﺳﺆﻣ ﺔﺒﻠﻃ بﺎﻌﻴﺘﺳا ىﺪﻣ
مﺎﻈﻨﻟ ﻦﻳﺮﺤﺒﻟا ﺔﻜﻠﻤﻣ ﻲﻓ ﻲﻟﺎﻌﻟا
ﺞﻣﺪﻤﻟا ﻢﻴﻠﻌﺘﻟاو حﻮﺘﻔﻤﻟا ﻢﻴﻠﻌﺘﻟا



Hesham AlAsheeri & Hasan Al-Wadi:Students’ Understanding of Open Education ...


 

      
       
  
   

   

  
      


     

       
“
      

   

      
    ” 
      


 
   “     



  
  
Allen & Seaman, 2006, and) ” 
(Arbaugh et al. 2009

     

      
    
     



 “
     



225
http://journals.uob.edu.bh
       

     



 “

    
      
      
  
     
  
      
     
      
     
  
      


                            
    


      
     
       
 


     
     
 

      
      
     


     
      

 

      



     
     


      
     


       
   


 ≥


      

 ≥


      
226 Int. J. Ped. Inn. 4, No. 2, 222- 243 (Jul. 2016)
http://journals.uob.edu.bh



 

      

 


      

  


     

 –
 –



      

  






 
     
  



     





    

Open Learning 
Commonwealth of   
 Learning


 

UNISCO    
((2002,4


   

“    
      
      
      

     
”
 “
  
     
(The open university, 2002, 12) ”
Hesham AlAsheeri & Hasan Al-Wadi:Students’ Understanding of Open Education ... 227
http://journals.uob.edu.bh
: Blended Learning
(Graham, 2006), 21 
        
 – –

(Singh, 2003 
  

     
     
  


       
    
     


Glossary of    
(Education (2013


     




      
  
     
      
      
     
  
      


     

  
      
    

     
     
      
  

    
      
    
 
      






   
      

Tshabalala, Ndereya and) 
    (Merwe, 2014
     


      
      
     
      
      
228 Int. J. Ped. Inn. 4, No. 2, 222- 243 (Jul. 2016)
http://journals.uob.edu.bh
      





    
      



     

      


      

     


  (Al-Ismaiel, 2013  
  
     


     
       
     
     

     




    
 
 
  

 

    

      
     

    
      





   (Larson, 2012)
      


      
     
    





     




Hesham AlAsheeri & Hasan Al-Wadi:Students’ Understanding of Open Education ... 229
http://journals.uob.edu.bh

     
     

    
      
     
     



    



  
 (Blackboard)    
    

 
     

     

      



     
      
      
      
  
     


    
    
      
       

 (Chew, 2009)  

     
     
      






 

 
     
 

(Khalid, 1992)
      
      
     

      
      
   
  



    
     
230 Int. J. Ped. Inn. 4, No. 2, 222- 243 (Jul. 2016)
http://journals.uob.edu.bh


      


      

     



 (LMS)

       
    




     
    
      







   
     


      
 
  
     


     
     
      
     
     
   

































Hesham AlAsheeri & Hasan Al-Wadi:Students’ Understanding of Open Education ... 231
http://journals.uob.edu.bh
























     



      
      
  
     

 



     
    

      
     













     


    
 – – – –
  


 d
 
     


  
   


      
     
     
232 Int. J. Ped. Inn. 4, No. 2, 222- 243 (Jul. 2016)
http://journals.uob.edu.bh
   Alpha Cronbach
SPSS
     


     

      










 
  




    






      


      
  
    
    (SPSS) 



“
 
     

      


     
     
      
      
   

 – –
      

Hesham AlAsheeri & Hasan Al-Wadi:Students’ Understanding of Open Education ... 233
http://journals.uob.edu.bh











 





















234 Int. J. Ped. Inn. 4, No. 2, 222- 243 (Jul. 2016)
http://journals.uob.edu.bh
    
    


     
     




    
   –   

 
      
  
      
      


      

    
 


      

       
 
     







     
      
   

     

     

“
”

     

“
”

     
     
  “
 ”

     
  “   
     
 ”  

 “   
”
 
     

     
      
     
 “   
     
Hesham AlAsheeri & Hasan Al-Wadi:Students’ Understanding of Open Education ... 235
http://journals.uob.edu.bh
 ”
  “
   ” 
 “
“ ” 

  ”  



 “    
 ”  

      
“
”


      
“ 
  
  ”
     




"
     
     
      
" ≥

      


   (T-test)  
      




T-test






      
  






      




     
236 Int. J. Ped. Inn. 4, No. 2, 222- 243 (Jul. 2016)
http://journals.uob.edu.bh
      



      

     
    " 



" ≥
  
     
       
     
      
 


 
 





 

 


      ≥ α
      
  
     

 


      
     
      
      
ANOVA







 

 
Hesham AlAsheeri & Hasan Al-Wadi:Students’ Understanding of Open Education ... 237
http://journals.uob.edu.bh
  
       
 ≥α
      








       
    
  

      




      



 
     






  

      
     
    

     
     
     

       


  


       
     
     
     


     

•
   
  


•     


•
 



238 Int. J. Ped. Inn. 4, No. 2, 222- 243 (Jul. 2016)
http://journals.uob.edu.bh
•






      
     


 
     

     


    
 



    

     


     




 –
    

      

 




     

    



     
     
    
     



     
      
    
     
     

Hesham AlAsheeri & Hasan Al-Wadi:Students’ Understanding of Open Education ... 239
http://journals.uob.edu.bh

Allen I.E. & Seaman J. (2006). Making
the Grade: Online Education in the
United States. Retrieved from http://
www.sloan-c.org/publications/
survey/pdf/Making_the_Grade.pdf
(Online)
Arbaugh J.B., Godfrey M.R., Johnson
M., Pollack B.L., Niedndoft, B.,
& Wresch W. (2009). Research in
Online and Blended Learning in the
Business Disciplines: Key Findings
and Possible Future Directions.
Internet and Higher Education, 12,
71-87.
Chew, E. (2009). A Blended Learning
Model In Higher Education: A
Comparative Study Of Blended
Learning In UK And Malaysia,
Unpublished Doctoral of Philosophy
Thesis, Glamorgan University, UK.
Commonwealth of Learning (2015).
Open and Distance Learning – Key
    
2015.
The Glossary of Education Reform
(2013). Blended Learning, http://
edglossary.org (Online)
Graham, C. R. (2006). Blended

trends, and future directions. In C.
J. Bonk & C. R. Graham (Eds.),
The handbook of blended learning:
Global perspectives, local designs,
San Francisco: Pfeiffer. (pp. 3-21).
Al-Ismaiel,Omar Abdulwahab(2013).
Collaborative Blended Learning
with Higher Education Students in
an Arabic Context, Unpublished
PhD Thesis, Faculty of Education,
University of Wollongong.
Khalid,Omar Haji (1992). The
Development of An Open Learning
System In Brunei Darussalam,
Unpublished Master Thesis, Salford
University, UK.
Larson, Lars Jacob Ege (2012). Teacher
and student perspectives on a blended
learning intensive English program
writing course, Unpublished PhD
Thesis, Faculty of Education, Lowa
State University.
The Open University (2002). Supporting
Open Learners, A Staff development
reader for open university associate
lecturers, UK.
Singh, H. (2003) “Building effective
blended learning programs”,
Educational Technology, Vol. 43,
No. 6, pp. 51-62.
Tshabalala, Mswazi; Ndereya, Charity
Ndeya and Merwe, Tiana van der
(2014). Implementing Blended
Learning at a Developing University:
Obstacles in the way, The Electronic
Journal of e-Learning, Volume 12,
Issue 1, (pp101-110), available
online at http://www.ejel.org
UNESCO (2002). Open And Distance
Learning – Trends, Policy And
Strategy Considerations, United
Nation.
240 Int. J. Ped. Inn. 4, No. 2, 222- 243 (Jul. 2016)
http://journals.uob.edu.bh



























Hesham AlAsheeri & Hasan Al-Wadi:Students’ Understanding of Open Education ... 241
http://journals.uob.edu.bh




















 


     

242 Int. J. Ped. Inn. 4, No. 2, 222- 243 (Jul. 2016)
http://journals.uob.edu.bh

















         



    



Hesham AlAsheeri & Hasan Al-Wadi:Students’ Understanding of Open Education ... 243
The future of blended learning in Jordanian universities post-Covid 19
Article
Full-text available
  • Nov 2022
The research aims to discuss the future look at the nature of higher education in Jordanian universities in amid the shift to blended learning post-COVID-19. The current research uses survey method and the study population consists of all teaching staff in Jordanian universities. A random sample consisting of 323 subjects is selected. The study shows that Jordanian universities teaching staff have a positive attitude towards implementing blended education. The study also shows that there are reasons behind implementing blended learning. Moreover, the study indicates that Jordanian universities face obstacles upon implementing blended learning. The study recommends that Jordanian universities are required to set up a training program for their teaching staff and provide the infrastructure necessary for implementing blended learning. Keywords: Higher Education; Blended Learning; Attitudes; Reasons; Obstacles.
View
View
View
View
Building Effective Blended Learning Programs
Article
  • Jan 2003
Introduction The first generation of e-learning or Web-based learning programs focused on presenting physical classroom-based instructional content over the Internet. Furthermore, first-generation e-learning (digitally delivered learning) programs tended to be a repetition or compilation of online versions of classroom-based courses. The experience gained from the first-generation of e-learning, often riddled with long sequences of 'page-turner' content and point-and-click quizzes, is giving rise to the realization that a single mode of instructional delivery may not provide sufficient choices, engagement, social contact, relevance, and context needed to facilitate successful learning and performance. In the second wave of e-learning, increasing numbers of learning designers are experimenting with blended learning models that combine various delivery modes. Anecdotal evidence indicates that blended learning not only offers more choices but also is more effective. November -December 2003 Issue of Educational Technology, Volume 43, Number 6, Pages 51-54. This article has two objectives: 1. To provide a comprehensive view of blended learning and discuss possible dimensions and ingredients (learning delivery methods) of blended learning programs. 2. To provide a model to create the appropriate blend by ensuring that each ingredient, individually and collectively, adds to a meaningful learning experience. Badrul Khan's blended e-learning framework, referred to here as Khan's Octagonal Framework (see Figure 1) enables one to select appropriate ingredients (http://BooksToRead.com/framework). Khan's framework serves as a guide to plan, develop, deliver, manage, and evaluate blended learning programs. Organizations exploring strategies for effective learning and performance have to consider a variety of issues to ensure effective delivery of learning and thus a high return on investment. Figure 1. Khan's Octagonal Framework.
View
A Blended Learning Model In Higher Education: A Comparative Study Of Blended Learning In UK And Malaysia Open and Distance Learning – Key Terms and Definitions
  • Jan 2009
  • E Chew
Chew, E. (2009). A Blended Learning Model In Higher Education: A Comparative Study Of Blended Learning In UK And Malaysia, Unpublished Doctoral of Philosophy Thesis, Glamorgan University, UK. Commonwealth of Learning (2015). Open and Distance Learning – Key Terms and Definitions, UK, June 2015.
Making the Grade: Online Education in the United States Retrieved from http
  • Jan 2006
  • I E Allen
  • J Seaman
Allen I.E. & Seaman J. (2006). Making the Grade: Online Education in the United States. Retrieved from http:// www.sloan-c.org/publications/ survey/pdf/Making_the_Grade.pdf (Online)
  • Jan 2009
  • 71-87
  • J B Arbaugh
  • M R Godfrey
  • M Johnson
  • B L Pollack
  • B Niedndoft
  • W Wresch
Arbaugh J.B., Godfrey M.R., Johnson M., Pollack B.L., Niedndoft, B., & Wresch W. (2009). Research in Online and Blended Learning in the Business Disciplines: Key Findings and Possible Future Directions. Internet and Higher Education, 12, 71-87.
A Blended Learning Model In Higher Education: A Comparative Study Of Blended Learning In UK And Malaysia, Unpublished Doctoral of Philosophy Thesis
  • Jan 2009
  • E Chew
Chew, E. (2009). A Blended Learning Model In Higher Education: A Comparative Study Of Blended Learning In UK And Malaysia, Unpublished Doctoral of Philosophy Thesis, Glamorgan University, UK. Commonwealth of Learning (2015). Open and Distance Learning -Key Terms and Definitions, UK, June 2015.
Teacher and student perspectives on a blended learning intensive English program writing course
  • Jan 2012
  • Lars Jacob Larson
  • Ege
Larson, Lars Jacob Ege (2012). Teacher and student perspectives on a blended learning intensive English program writing course, Unpublished PhD Thesis, Faculty of Education, Lowa State University.