AN ASSESSMENT OF THE UTILIZATION OF BLENDED LEARNING IN TEACHING BIOLOGY

1.1 Introduction

Blended learning is an educational methodology that integrates traditional place-based classroom methods with online educational resources and interaction opportunities. According to Boelens et al., (2017), in many different subjects or contexts, blended learning strategies have been widely implemented in both high school and college settings. It is crucial to review the current blended learning trend in order to understand its implementation, effectiveness, challenges, and strategy. Many reviews of blended learning have been carried out by some earlier studies (Boelens et al., 2017). Biology is the study of life and the structure of living things. Biology is the study of living things, with an emphasis on the interactions between organisms and their environments as well as their structure, behaviour, origins, and distribution (American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 2009).

As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.

1.2 Background of Study

Biology subject teaching and learning in the 21st century has evolved from the conventional method to more innovative methods. Blended learning has improved opportunities for both teachers and students by removing barriers related to location, time, and culture (Nikolaos Vernadakis et al., 2012). Combining online and in-person instruction is known as blended learning. Media for e-learning that can facilitate learning is necessary. More visual material ought to be included (Yapici et al., 2012). Consequently, the creation of educational materials and a platform for student-teacher and peer interaction is critical to the success of blended learning.

Edmentum (2015) asserted that, the role of a biology teacher in the 21st century is to guide students in dealing with massive amount of contents, to develop the skills and understanding necessary to use technology as an effective tool in a responsible manner and to assist students in developing their personal learning styles (Edmentum, 2015).

According to Thorne (2003), it's a chance to combine the latest technological advancements and innovative teaching methods of online learning with the engagement and interaction of the finest elements of traditional learning. The belief is that blended learning integrates traditional "face-to-face" learning with electronic learning environments and web-based learning features like video streaming, synchronous and asynchronous audio communications.

Numerous scholars have noted that blended learning offers a number of benefits, including enhanced learning levels, greater comprehension of learning, increased interest in learning, comfort and flexibility in the learning environment, and high-quality, low-cost interactions (Garnham, 2002; Young, 2002; Collis, 2003).

The study of life and the structure of living organisms is called biology. The structure, behaviour, origin, and relationship between plants, animals, and their environments are all studied in biology, which is the study of living things (American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 2009). According to Abugu (2007), biology is a natural science that studies living things, including plants and animals. Understanding biology can help prevent environmental degradation, including water hyacinth, erosion, desertification, and air, water, and land pollution.

The use of computers and the internet in biology education is becoming more and more important. Due to time constraints, the learning activities that last for several hours are insufficiently effective. A blended learning approach might be able to help with this issue. This does not imply that the model alone can resolve the issue; rather, it also takes into account the contributing elements when blended learning is used, such as the utilization of learning resources that can be incorporated into the model.

The multimedia tools available can be learned by students to make up for the inadequacies of traditional classroom instruction. Other benefits include the opportunity for students to become familiar with the material before class. Students can engage in online discussions and build effective relationships with both teachers and fellow classmates (Yapici et al., 2012). According to Bielawski et al. (2003), blended learning is centred on maximizing the attainment of learning objectives through the application of technology learning to match self-learning styles and transfer skills to the appropriate people at the appropriate time.

Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to assess the Utilization of Blended Learning in Teaching Biology.

1.3 Statement of Problems

Investigation revealed that a large portion of biology students consistently perform poorly, making it difficult for them to obtain the grades necessary to advance to a higher education institution. The importance of using the internet and computers is gradually increasing in biology learning. The learning activities conducted for several hours are not effective enough because of time constraints.

Globally, there is a growing environmental and social concern among all segments of society, but research on the effect of Blended Learning strategy in shaping the social and environmental attitude of students is lacking. Therefore, the study tends to the identify the factors inhibiting the use of blended learning in teaching biology subject.

1.4 Aim and Objectives of Study

The aim of the study is to assess the utilization of blended Learning in teaching biology students in some selected Senior Secondary Schools. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:

1. To investigate the influence of in-service training on Biology teachers’ awareness of blended learning for teaching purposes;
2. To examine the level of awareness of biology teachers on the use of blended learning approach in classroom instruction;
3. To determine the extent to which biology teachers apply blended learning approach in classroom instruction; and
4. To identify the challenges biology teachers experience in applying blended learning approach in teaching secondary school students.

1.5 Research Questions

The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:

• What is the level of awareness of biology teachers on the use of blended learning approach in classroom instruction?
• What is the extent to which biology teachers apply blended learning approach in classroom instruction?
• What is the influence of in-service training on Biology teachers’ awareness of blended learning for teaching purposes?
• What is the challenges biology teachers experience in applying blended learning approach in teaching secondary school students?

1.6 Research Hypothesis

In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.

Hypothesis One

• H0: Blended Learning strategy is not effective means for enhancing the academic achievement of biology students.
• H1: Blended Learning strategy is an effective means for enhancing the academic achievement of biology students.

Hypothesis Two

• H0: There are no significant problems faced by biology teachers in applying blended learning approach in teaching secondary school students
• H1: There are significant issues encountered by biology teachers in applying blended learning approach in teaching secondary school students

1.7 Significance of Study

The outcome of this research will assist teachers in understanding why secondary school students' performance is what it is; they could be of immense benefit to educators. They will be able to help students manage the subject even though psychology affects biology.

Furthermore, researchers will greatly benefit from this study, and non-researchers can use it to further their own research endeavours. This study advances knowledge and may function as a model for future research.

1.8 Scope of Study

The scope of the research is focused on the Assessment of the Utilization of Blended Learning in Teaching Biology using some selected secondary school in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State as a case study.

1.9 Limitations of the Study

During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:

1. Time Constraint:The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
2. Research Material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
3. Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
4. Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.

1.10 Definition of Terms

Biology:

It is defined as the study of life and structure of living things. Biology is the study of living things and concerns itself with the study of the structural, behaviour, distribution, the origin of plants, and animals and their relationship with their environment (American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language 2009).

Academic Achievement:

It is the level of performance in school subjects as exhibited by an individual. Biology: is described as a science of life and plays a vital role in the life of every human being.

Blended Learning:

Blended learning as learning that is facilitated by the effective combination of different modes of delivery, models of teaching and styles of learning, and is based on transparent communication amongst all parties involved with a course (Heinze and Procter, 2004).