VOICES OF STUDENTS-TEACHERS ABOUT DISTANCE AND BLENDED LEARNING: AN INSTRUCTIONAL FITS PERCEPTION

Abstract

Distance learning and blended learning have come out as two of the most prevalent and forefront approaches to learning implemented today, especially Post Covid-19. However, not much study has been undertaken to determine how Indonesian teachers perceive the implementation of distance learning and blended learning. This research aims to investigate the advantage of teachers’ involvement as students in the graduate school of Universitas Terbuka (UT) that employ distance learning mode. This research is also intended to find out challenges faced by student-teachers in applying blended learning as an emergent method to learning Post Covid-19. Mixed Method with convergent parallel design has been used by involving 30 student-teachers to involve in the questionnaire and 6 of them to be interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The participants were from three different study programs (Master of English Education, Master of Elementary Education, and Master of Mathematics Education) in the School of Postgraduate Studies of UT. The study findings noted: (1) instructional fit as a crucial component in education settings; (2) innovative pedagogies as key aspect in learning in the virtual classroom, and (3) blended learning functions to harmonized traditional classroom experiences with digital tools. This study provides evidence, results' implications, and suggestions regarding additional instruction-related study.