Exploring the Practices, Challenges, and Benefits for Blended Learning across Four European Countries in the COVID-19 Era
Abstract: The research examined the practices, challenges, and benefits of teaching with the blended learning approach during the COVID-19 pandemic. A case research study was conducted in twenty schools in four European countries (Ireland, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta) to answer the following questions: What were practices for blended learning implemented in schools in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta? What were the challenges for implementing blended learning across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta? What were the perceived benefits of blended learning in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta? The results showed that the implementation of blended learning in schools has many challenges to face at the macro level and not only at the micro-level of the classroom. Thus, future research should invest time and effort in developing design and evaluation frameworks for implementing blended learning in schools.