Hybrid Learning's Impact on Students Engagement in Higher Education in Finland

Abstract

This research examines the effects of Hybrid learning on academic engagement in Finnish university education from students' perspective and technological experience. Finland is also in the process of changing to technology driven and more flexible educational models and has seen the popularity of hybrid learning, a blending of in person and online instruction. Using qualitative interviews with seven university students, this paper explores the advantages and challenges of this learning approach. These findings suggest that hybrid learning brings great benefits, such as flexibility, accessibility and personalization that allow the students to take charge of their study.

The challenges to effective engagement identified were challenges in the form of decreased social interaction, motivation, and self discipline. This research highlights the role of technology integration, instructor support, and course design tailored to students in supporting student participation and learning outcomes. Based on these findings, the study recommends better teacher digital pedagogy training, more student-teacher in interaction as well as dealing with technical challenges. The research advances the emerging discussion on hybrid learning by uncovering important lessons for educational policymakers and institutions about learning model quality in the age of the digital.