A BLENDED LEARNING MODEL IN HIGHER EDUCATION:  
             A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BLENDED LEARNING  
                         IN UK AND MALAYSIA 
                                   
                                   
                                   
                            ESYIN CHEW   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                 A submission presented in partial fulfilment of the  
            requirements of the University of Glamorgan/Prifysgol Morgannwg 
                                   
                    for the degree of Doctoral of Philosophy  
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                                   
                               July 2009  
                                   
                                   
           
                                                                                 Abstract 
               Abstract 
               Blended learning, involves the combination of two fields of concern: technology and 
               education; or two groups of people: technologists and educationists.  However, 
               current literature shows less consideration on the potential disciplinary gap in the 
               blended learning experience, as a result there is a paucity of evidence from cross-
               country/institutional/disciplinary investigations. This study aimed to explore, analyse 
               and compare the blended learning experience in higher education. The research is 
               reflected in 3 questions: (1) What are the current blended learning experiences in the 
               selected higher educational institutions? (2) How such experience varies in different 
               disciplines? (3) What are the reflections on the comparative experiences in (1) and 
               (2)? The qualitative case study with comparative methods was used to obtain in-
               depth findings for these research questions. I visited 4 universities in two countries 
               and  sampled  51  research participants’ voices  from contrasting disciplines.  With 
               these voices, I thoroughly discussed individual case studies, followed by a cross-
               case and cross-discipline comparison. These findings enabled insights to be drawn 
               on  a major argument:  blended learning did enable and enhance learning 
               experiences in all case studies but disciplinary differences remain a major challenge. 
               The  analysis shows  that  academics from science-based disciplines have an 
               advantage at the instrumental level of technological  usage  without  transforming 
               learning experience; social science-based academics, due to their disciplinary nature, 
               have embedded technology in wider trans-technical aspects that would enhance and 
               transform learning and teaching. In the context of blended learning, I would argue 
               that learning has not been enhanced (1) if the technology is the sole focus; (2) if the 
               research  effort  of  “technology enhanced learning”  does not gain ground in 
               educational theories and (3) does not recognise the disciplinary differences. Arising 
               out of these findings, I proposed  a  blended learning model  that  indicates the 
               boundary of the current literature and research findings,  and  a blended learning 
               definition - an educational-focused process to enhance and transform f2f learning 
               with the blend of technology in a symbiotic relationship.  It is necessary  for 
               educationists and technologists to establish such a symbiotic relationship and the 
               inter-disciplinary integration and  discourse, that may  impact on the individuals’ 
               practice beyond their own disciplinary territory.  
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                                                                                                  Acknowledgements 
                    Acknowledgements 
                     
                    Completing a PhD is truly a marathon event - restless weekends and sleepless nights but a 
                    valuable process (as I said in the closing notes that it has rocked me to my core!)  I would 
                    not have been able to complete this journey without the support of countless people over the 
                    past three years.  
                     
                    I must first express my sincere gratitude towards my Director of Studies, Professor Norah 
                    Jones, the Head of the Centre of Excellence  for Learning and Teaching. Her constant 
                    support,  loving  attention,  valuable  leadership,  numberless  suggestions  and  academic 
                    scholarship have set an example I hope to match some day.  
                     
                    My great appreciation is due to my supervisor, Professor David Turner, the Professor in 
                    Education who made critical comments and provided constructive advice, taking intense 
                    academic interest in this study that enhances the quality of the research and transforms my 
                    epistemology.  
                     
                    Special gratitude goes to Haydn Blackey, my line manager for providing numerous ideas and 
                    useful discussions, instilling in me confidence and a drive for pursuing my PhD. My heartfelt 
                    thanks to Denize McIntyre’s precious  time and kind  effort for proofreading my final 
                    manuscripts – I am deeply indebted to her. Special thanks to my examiners, Professor Peter 
                    Hartley  and Professor Michael Connolly,  for their scholarly discussion and constructive 
                    criticism to make this piece of work complete. I also thank my shepherds and fellow friends 
                    from CELT, CCCC, PJ Logos and GCCF. They helped and encouraged me especially when 
                    the good times were not; they have made my life abroad more interesting and meaningful.  
                     
                    My special appreciation goes to my beloved parents, both Chew and Tan’s family members, 
                    especially daddy, mummy, Enoch, Siok Hwee, Epet, Limin, uncle Jim and uncle George, 
                    who always kept me away from family responsibilities and encouraged me to concentrate on 
                    my study. 
                     
                    Finally, I would like to express the most gratitude to my other half - Chian Hong Tan. He 
                    helped me to concentrate on completing this thesis  by  doing all the housework and 
                    supported me both spiritually and physically. Without his loving and thoughtful company, this 
                    study would not have been completed. May all the gratefulness, glory and praises first be to 
                    the Creator, my Lord Jesus Christ!      
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                                                                                              Form Decl 
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 UNIVERSITY OF GLAMORGAN 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           PRIFYSGOL MORGANNWG                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   (This form should be typewritten) 
                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       Candidate’s Declaration Form 
                                                                                               
                                                                                                          Note: This form must be submitted to the University with the candidate’s thesis (10.5 of the 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Regulations refers) 
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                                                              Name of Candidate: Esyin Chew  
                                                                                               
                                                                                              Degree for which thesis is submitted: Degree of Doctoral of Philosophy - A 
                                                                                              Blended Learning Model in Higher Education: A Comparative Study of Blended 
                                                                                              Learning in UK and Malaysia 
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                                                              1.                               Statement of advanced studies undertaken in connection with the 
                                                                                                                               programme of research  (regulation 4.1 refers) 
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                                                              2.                               Concurrent registration for two or more academic awards (regulation 4.8 
                                                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                               refers)
                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               * I declare that while registered as a candidate for the University of Glamorgan’s 
                                                                                                                               research degree, I have not been a registered candidate or enrolled student for 
                                                                                                                               another award of the University or other academic or professional institution. 
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                                                              3.                               Material submitted for another award 
                                                                                               
                                                                                                                               * I declare that no material contained in the thesis has been used in any 
                                                                                                                               other submission for any academic award. 
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                                                               
                                                                                              Signature of candidate:  .....................................   Date: ..17 July 2009.................. 
                                                                                               
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