Effectiveness of technology enhancement in blended learning: An instrumental perspective

Kam Cheong Li, Helen Lam, Terry Lee

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Studies on institutional policies on the use of technology in blended learning reveal that technology choices and policy implementation are largely governed by three common perceptions: (1) technology per se has its own logic of effectiveness and operation, (2) the choice of technology is based on its utilities across contexts, and (3) the application of technology is pre-determined. However, this commonality overlooks the existence of various factors that shape the effectiveness of technology at different stages of application. This paper examines, via the perspective of policy instrument, various factors that may hinder or facilitate the effectiveness of technology in blended learning. The use of technology is conceptualized as a policy instrument in the process of formulating and implementing institutional policies on blended learning. Its effectiveness is analyzed using four theories of policy instrument, namely the ‘classical’, ‘contextual’, ‘instrument-context’ and ‘constitutive’ approaches to instrument. Results of the analysis show the dynamic nature of effectiveness which should be considered when formulating institutional policies on technology-enhanced learning.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTechnology in Education
Subtitle of host publicationTransforming Educational Practices with Technology - 1st International Conference, ICTE 2014, Revised Selected Papers
EditorsKam Cheong Li, Simon K.S. Cheung, Tak-Lam Wong, Jeanne Lam, Kwan Keung Ng
Pages187-198
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9783662461570
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2015
Event1st International Conference on Technology in Education, ICTE 2014 - Hong Kong, China
Duration: 2 Jul 20144 Jul 2014

Publication series

NameCommunications in Computer and Information Science
Volume494
ISSN (Print)1865-0929
ISSN (Electronic)1865-0937

Conference

Conference1st International Conference on Technology in Education, ICTE 2014
Country/TerritoryChina
CityHong Kong
Period2/07/144/07/14

Keywords

  • Blended learning
  • Effectiveness of policy instruments
  • Institutional policies
  • Technology as policy instrument

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