Abstract

This paper shows the results obtained from a blended training experience based on internet usage, more specifically, under the Blended Learning (b-learning) modality carried out on first year students of Philosophy and Physics at the Pontifical University of Dominican Republic. The theoretical model in which the experience, that is, b-learning, is sustained will be first presented and described, emphasizing the separation of activities to be done in virtual and attending sessions. Information was gathered for the purpose of this study through three different but complementary instruments: students’ satisfaction questionnaire, interviews with students and interviews with lecturers by e-mail. The results achieved and the level of students’ satisfaction show the significance of the experience as well as some limitations found concerning the need for teacher training and the difficulty of changing the organizational structures are highlighted. Some of the conclusions point to the favorable attitude shown by teachers and students in blended learning, as well as the need for universities to include centers that support teacher training in these formative actions.

Abstract

The advance in new technologies has changed the educational model considerably. On-line education has arrived with a bang at university and those degree courses linked to the field of communication have adopted this type of technologies. In just a few years, the number of courses available in the communication field that include on-line subjects has multiplied. It seems that this tendency of proliferation will continue due to a high demand for degrees in the communication field as well as the possibility of completing these degrees on-line. This paper shows the perspective that on-line journalism students at the Rey Juan Carlos University in Madrid have on their studies. The results of a survey of students of the different courses that include the qualification allow us to gain a perspective of their experiences at the beginning and end of the studies. The questionnaire asks about socio-demographic traits from which we draw a sociological profile of on-line journalism student. It also delves into the motivations and expectations surrounding the decision to enrol in this mode and in its assessment both in terms of learning and the relationship between peers and teachers. Some of the conclusions point to the positive attitude of students and a satisfactory evaluation by the students.