Disciplinary differences in blended learning design: a network analytic study

Abstract

Learning design research has predominately relied upon survey- and interview-based methodologies, both of which are subject to limitations of social desirability and recall. An alternative approach is offered in this manuscript, whereby physical and online learning activity data is analysed using Epistemic Network Analysis. Using a sample of 6,040 course offerings from 10 faculties across a four year period (2016--2019), the utility of networks to understand learning design is illustrated. Specifically, through the adoption of a network analytic approach, the following was found: universities are clearly committed to blended learning, but there are considerable differences both between and within disciplines.