Effects of eLearning and blended instruction on student learning

This study used action research to determine the best blend of instruction for achieving deeper learning of a VEX Robotics curriculum at a suburban high school. Activities/lessons used to teach the LearnMate VEX Robotics REC curriculum included the eLearning content from LearnMate, an online curriculum and class management system, and teacher-prepared lessons utilizing traditional instruction. Action research was used to complete three cycles with the curriculum. The research found that students scores increased and deeper learning was achieved when the content based lessons were taught using teacher-led instruction with class discussions and the programming activities we taught using LearnMate as an eLearning tool. Students found the content easier to understand and ask questions when taught in the blended instructional method.