Using virtual mobility and digital storytelling in blended learning: Analysing students' experiences

Abstract

The concept of virtual mobility is increasingly receiving attention in the literature. As one central advantage, virtual mobility enables international and intercultural experiences for non-traditional students regularly found in distance education. However, hitherto there is a lack of empirical data on the students' experiences with virtual mobility. Moreover, adequate teaching methods and course designs have to be identified which stimulate the students' learning motivation and learning success. This article addresses these challenges by presenting results from a joint blended learning course of two distance universities. Constructive alignment was used to implement virtual mobility and digital storytelling. The evaluation of the course demonstrates that the students generally value the opportunity for virtual mobility but likewise appreciate face-to-face contact. It also stresses the importance of suitable teaching methods and adequate course designs to spur the students' collaboration and to achieve the intended learning outcomes.