Exploring Blended Teaching Mode Based on the Blackboard Platform

Abstract

Teaching social science courses in traditional mode in the higher education settings has encountered various problems, and the teaching effectiveness needs to be improved. The utilization of information technology in education has become a general trend for promoting educational reforms. In order to improve learner autonomy and increase learners’ internal interest in subjects they learn, this study conducted a 16-week experiment in a social science course at a university in northern China, utilizing blended teaching mode with the support of the Blackboard platform. 30 college students majoring in public administration took part in the teaching experiment. The feedback of questionnaires showed that Blackboard platform has created favorable conditions for carrying out blended teaching. It has positive effect on fostering learner motivation, improving their interest in learning, and reinforcing their understanding of the course.