Factors and Challenges of Blended Learning with Learning Management Systems and Online Systems for Access to Quality Education in the Case of Seoul National University

Abstract

Blended learning with online systems and tools for university courses has been introduced to provide better interactivity and participation among learners and an instructor. Seoul National University (SNU) as a research-oriented university has worked on ways to provide quality education through the learning management system (LMS) and other online systems for effective blended learning. More access to quality in terms of interactivity could be efficiently acquired through LMS and other systems in SNU, as these systems have provided more opportunities for learners to have meaningful online interactions which might not be attained without them. After reviewing the development and status of LMS and other systems for blended learning in SNU, the factors of successful blended learning with LMS and other systems in SNU were analyzed into three areas: university policy, reflection of user needs, and facilities and training programs. Challenges of blended learning with LMS and online systems in SNU have been identified and discussed in the following aspects: understanding blended learning in the context of teaching-learning methodological innovation which could be realized through Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) with institutional research functions, the functional improvement of LMS into an educational platform to provide optimal learning environments like dashboards, and scaling up blended learning across diverse contexts that have different pedagogical needs.