Blended Learning - The Future of Higher Education: Opportunities and Threats in Post-COVID 19 Scenario in Pakistan

Author(s) : * Syed Nasir Hussain, ** Muhammad Ayub Buzdar, *** Azhar Majeed Qureshi

Abstract:

Education institutions across the globe had to switch to a blended mode of delivery due to
COVID-19 related restrictions. Blended learning demonstrated the potential to reduce students’
academic loss incurred due to the pandemic. The purpose of this study was to explore the
prospects of blended learning as a regular feature in underdeveloped countries shortly. The case
of Pakistan was explored in this regard. A qualitative research method was followed to reach
conclusions. Academicians from four universities located in Pakistan who opted blended
learning approach during this period participated in the study. Focused group interviews were
used as a source of data collection. Conclusions were drawn following an inductive approach.
The study supported the adoption of blended learning to reduce students’ learning gaps in the
post-COVID-19 scenario. However, several threats at administration and academic levels also
emerged to opting for blended learning as a regular delivery mechanism in Pakistan. The results
are discussed in the context of higher education resources and challenges in the developing
countries.
Keywords: Blended learning; post COVID-19; learning gaps; higher education