The Future ofBlended Education Has Begun
Turner conducted a survey of more than 1,500 students, faculty, and staff members at six institutions of higher education. The study addressed the question on everyone’s mind in the education sector: What can we learn from the COVID-19 pandemic? How do students and faculty at colleges and universities feel about online education? What steps have institutions taken to adapt and organize their operations? The future of education is “blended”—that much is certain. But what exactly does that look like?
The Future of Blended Education Has Begun
Six higher education institutions felt the need to take stock together after a turbulent year marked by the coronavirus pandemic. Three universities of applied sciences (Breda University of Applied Sciences, HAS, NHL Stenden) and three research universities (Radboud University, TU Delft, Vrije Universiteit) collaborated with Turner on a study to jointly draw lessons from the COVID-19 period. We did this based on documents, online surveys that the universities of applied sciences and research universities had already distributed to their students and staff, and online surveys that we developed together. The central question: What can we learn about learning from the COVID-19 period?
Survey of more than 1,500 students, faculty, and staff at universities and colleges
The study examines the experiences of more than 1,500 students, faculty members, and staff. How did they experience 100% online education? What measures did the institution put in place? What steps were taken to support student well-being? And how do students, faculty, staff, and administrators view the future?
It’s clear that the future of education is blended. But exactly what that looks like—and how best to organize it—remains to be seen. In the study, Turner’s organizational consultants also provide recommendations for the ideal mix—and how to implement it within your institution.
Research Accountability
Project Description
This publication is the result of a joint study conducted by Turner and six institutions of higher education (three colleges and three universities). The goal was to examine what lessons universities of applied sciences and research universities can learn from the COVID-19 period (2020–2021), during which education had to take place entirely online. The study focuses on four main themes:
1. Pedagogy: Experiences with and a vision for the future of blended education.
2. Social Function: The impact of distance learning on well-being and social interaction.
3. Assessment and Scheduling: Challenges and solutions in assessing and scheduling distance education.
4. Organizational Agility: How institutions adapted and what that says about their capacity for renewal and innovation.
Research Methods Used
Quantitative methods: Surveys (n = 534 students, 976 staff members)
Qualitative methods: Interviews and document analysis
Key Findings of the Study
The findings show that both students and instructors prefer a blended education format that combines online and in-person education. The desired ratio varies by individual, but on average, a proportion of 35 to 45 percent online education is considered ideal. The role of the instructor is crucial: students who feel heard and seen by their instructor are significantly more positive about their educational experience.
Although institutions have responded quickly and flexibly to the COVID-19 crisis, further investment in digital infrastructure, faculty teaching skills, and support for personal and team development is necessary. The well-being of students and staff also requires ongoing attention. It is concluded that blended learning is a sustainable and forward-looking approach to higher education, provided it is carefully designed and tailored to the needs of both students and faculty.
Turner’s Added Value
In this study, we leveraged our strong network and our specialization in Strategy Execution. This enabled us to establish strong connections between theory and practice.
Want to learn from these insights too?
The findings of the study are available to everyone. View and download the report here.
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The Future of Blended Education Has Begun
Turner conducted a survey of more than 1,500 students, faculty, and staff members at six higher education institutions. The study addressed the question on everyone’s mind in education: What can
Turner Publishes Study Titled “The Future of Blended Education Has Begun”
Turner conducted a survey of more than 1,500 students, faculty, and staff members at six higher education institutions. The study addressed the question on everyone’s mind in education: What can
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