Effectiveness of learning objectives for blended learning in Higher Education Institutions, Case of Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) at Makerere University.

The study paper is about effectiveness of learning objectives (LOs) for blended learning (BL) in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), Case of Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) at Makerere University. The study used the Design phase of ADDIE model with emphasis on the first stage that is LOs. The first stage under Design phase helped to assess the way LOs support designing of content materials for BL in HEIs. Setting specific and measurable LOs that address the learner competencies required in this 21^st Century for employability has remained a challenge to HEIs. The study was guided by two research questions; What are the challenges associated with setting LOs for BL at HEIs? What are the guidelines for setting LOs for BL at HEIs?  The study adopted qualitative research design.  The semi-structured interview guides were used to collect data from selected 16 participants. The interview data was analyzed using Atlas.ti. The challenges were; scope of the topics, lack of professional training, difficulty in aligning with National Development Plan (NDP), varying target audience characteristics, limited adoption of Artificial Intelligence and differing instructional goals. Strategies were retooling of facilitators, adoption of AI in teaching and learning, learner analysis, aligning LOs with NDP, matching the instructional goals to specific topics, adoption of 21st Century assessment strategies for BL.  

The paper discusses the results in light of connectivism theory and suggests formulation of a policy on BL, learner analysis, adoption of AI in education, alignment of content with NDP, developing interactive instructional materials, encouraging continuous assessment and re-grouping topics in manageable themes as guidelines for setting LOs for BL.