Examining the role of learning support in blended learning for adults' social inclusion and social capital

摘要

In a digitalized society blended learning has become a favorable approach in adult education. Blended learning is showing promise as a teaching approach because of the variety of learning opportunities that can be created. Furthermore, participation in adult education can contribute to social benefits for adults, of whom a certain amount is at risk of social exclusion. However, scholars have not yet fully uncovered the educational factors in a blended learning environment that contribute to these social benefits. The present study, therefore, examines whether and how various types of learning support in blended courses are related to adults' social inclusion and social capital. A questionnaire (N = 139) measured adults' perceptions of diverse types of learning support, social inclusion and social capital. The results revealed that instructional support consists of two factors, namely informational support and process guidance. Informational support is negatively related to social participation, whereas process guidance positively determines social participation. In addition, transfer and peer support are positively associated with social connectedness and social capital. The results advance empirical knowledge by establishing that instructors should offer several types of support and facilitate peer support throughout blended learning in order to achieve positive changes in adults' social inclusion and social capital.